This depends a lot on the estate plans put in place and whether or not there is a buy-sell agreement or other 'key personnel' provisions in that business.

You NEED to take all the relevant documents to a local attorney ASAP to review and give you actual legal advice. The answer... View More

Yes, unless there are estate planning or business agreement documents to the contrary.

Do you know whether the daughter's parental rights were terminated or if she just did not have legal custody? If her rights were terminated, then no, her kids would not inherit from your mom as termination of parental rights severs kinship; if the daughter just lost legal custody (e.g. the... View More

A lawyer would need to see the actual recorded deed because the way you phrase the question leads to two possible answers:

-if mom and dad quit claimed the house to the children, then NO, mom can't change the deed because the house isn't hers anymore (dad passing, then, has... View More

You cannot force someone to give or sell property. If her name is the only one in the mortgage/deed she will need to voluntarily sell (‘sign off’) the property or you will need to probate the property after she passes. The real issue here is that if there’s a mortgage that will complicate... View More

It depends on the terms of the trust.

But you SHOULD be able to get a copy of the trust. If indeed you actually are the beneficiary. The trust itself will contain the terms of what you’re able to ask for and how to make the request.

If you don’t understand the terms of the... View More

Possession/safekeeping is maybe fine. But there is no simple answer with the information provided, you might need to ask again, or contact an attorney directly.

Generally, when there are two trustee's there is a 'decision tree' and process to follow, second your mother's... View More

Each state is different, but your best bet would be to contact the probate court in the county he lived in to see if they have a will on file.

Just be advised that most states' laws would allow for the majority of a person's estate to go to the spouse regardless of what a will... View More

You should contact the probate court to determine which publication is used in your area. You should then send that form to that publication (some probate courts will do it for you).

Generally the assets of a decedent must be filed and managed through probate, and it would not likely be permissible to buy the house without probate. Without a will there are statutory rules regarding allocation. This is a situation where you should speak with an attorney to avoid unintentionally... View More

Doubtful. Insurance is a contract. If his mom is beneficiary, that's to whom the money will go. Possible exception may be a cash value policy paid into during the legal marriage (not total time together).

If the proceeds of the life insurance is over $5,000 then the law requires a minors money to be managed through the probate court conservator process. You would have to appointed by the probate court as your children's conservator. You will have to account to the court how much you start with... View More

Actually, quite the opposite is true: his will is now the controlling document; the power of attorney is no longer effective. You would need to see the will to see what it says about distribution. Most of the time, the will express everything go to the surviving spouse. Even if the will says... View More

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Your wife's ESTATE is responsible for the medical bills she incurred, but unless you've signed something that would say otherwise YOU are not. This has several different ways it could play out, but you'd be well advised to seek the advice of a... View More

You'll want to contact an estate planning attorney directly, preferably in the county your father passed away in.

Someone would need to see the language of the will, and know in what order people passed away. If your parents are deceased while your brother was alive, then all of their stuff would belong to him, and now his estate, to be distributed as he chooses. If your brother died before your parents, then... View More

Probate is the legal means to distribute property owned by a deceased person. Unless your father held assets jointly, or had beneficiary designations on everything, then probate will be necessary. Your mom is no longer an heir or entitled to a spousal elective share, but you and your siblings can... View More

Providing a 'life estate' for someone and a 'remainder interest' for a third party is a pretty common thing, and easily done by a qualified licensed attorney in your area.

This is most assuredly NOT a 'DIY' project though unless you are really willing to have... View More

As the legal spouse, you may claim what's called your spousal elective share, or take what's provided to you in the will (which appears to be nothing since it predates your marriage). You may also be entitled to homestead and family allowance; and of course anything jointly owned would go to you.

The short answer: you'll want to speak with an estate planning attorney.

If you want to disclaim whatever rights you might have to your brother's estate, you'll need to take some affirmative steps. If you want to exclude your sister in law from your estate you might need to... View More