Get free answers to your Probate legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My husband and I divorced, both are still on the deed to the house. Divorce decree states when I’m ready to sell we split the proceeds. He passed away and now his wife wants half the house in her name. The deed has survivorship rights. So I thought the house should go into my name. What trumps... View More
answered on Aug 4, 2023
Sign and record an affidavit of survivorship with a copy of the death certificate, per the survivorship deed. That will put the house into your name. There is no obligation to also put the house into her name, unless a court would order that, or unless the divorce decree already says that. But... View More
Is there a probate law that permits the filing of a probate administration in Ohio if all the decedent's assets are located in Ohio and the decedent was never domiciled in another State except as a prison inmate?
The decedent, a former resident of Cuyahoga County, traveled to Oregon... View More
answered on Aug 3, 2023
Interesting question. It all depends whether the decedent was a resident of Oregon. After a quick internet search, it seems there may be some authority for saying that a prisoner retains their pre-prison residency. The job of a lawyer is to do the necessary research to come to a conclusion on... View More
and bank account and left her the items in the home. The will states if I am married She gets the house and bank account. I am not married NEVER have been. She is his 6th wife he never put her on any bank account, credit card, or deed to house. They were married only 9 years. She has lied and told... View More
answered on Jul 31, 2023
The will must be filed with the probate court to initiate his probate estate. The will and other documents filed with the court are public records that can be searched on-line. No one can prevent you from filing objections or motions with the probate court. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a... View More
My sister passed away in 2020. She had money from a settlement in the bank. She had 3 children and no will. Is it too late to file with the probate courts for her children to get the money? Am I able to do it for them? I'm in the Akron area, but she lived in the Cincinnati area.
answered on Jul 14, 2023
It is not too late. Any Ohio resident can apply to the court to administer the estate. I recommend having the estate pay for an attorney.
answered on Jul 12, 2023
The distribution of assets from an estate typically occurs after all debts, taxes, and expenses have been paid, and any necessary court approvals have been obtained. This ensures that the estate's obligations are properly settled and that the beneficiaries receive their rightful share... View More
I have a lawyer but he has not responded to any of my messages since April. So I don't know what's going on.
answered on Jul 5, 2023
A judgment entry approving Inventory is the courts authentication of what has been presented to the court as actual assets and their accepted value by the court. Another hearing is likely for the termination of the estate.
My dad passed away and has a will that states to sell the house that he co owns with his ex wife to put for his funeral expenses. His new current wife is refusing to follow the will she is here on a green card from the Philippines. She is first in his paperwork but I am also listed that if she is... View More
answered on Jul 3, 2023
You will have to file an action against the new wife in probate court. Has the will been admitted to probate yet? IF not you may even be able to get yourself named as executor. Regardless, you should hire an attorney in your late father's county who regularly practices probate litigation.
answered on Jun 28, 2023
Generally, you need to pay the administrative costs, creditors, taxes, and beneficiaries, and then file a final account. Be careful...you could be personally liable if you don't do it right.
I’ve went through all the steps did all the foot work now it won’t be accepted and other than it’s messy idk where to go for help. I just want this to be over !
answered on Jun 26, 2023
I understand your frustration. The best way to get it over is to hire an attorney to help file the final account. This can help get it over with and also help make sure you don't run into any problems in the future. See the Find A Lawyer tab.
answered on Jun 13, 2023
The executor or administrator must consider whether there are other claims to pay, sufficient funds to pay any taxes, expenses and fees of administration, etc. Recipients usually are eager for distributions, but the executor or administrator should consult with the attorney for the estate, or use... View More
The surviving spouse has dementia and I don't believe there was a will
answered on Jun 12, 2023
If mom is unmarried and you are her only child then you are the only heir under intestate law (no will)
I am talking about my dad he had a will when him and my mom were together but they're divorced so the will doesn't state any items specifically just said it would go to me and my brothers
answered on May 24, 2023
The will probably results in you and your sibling(s) getting the house. A transfer on death affidavit must be recorded prior to death to be enforceable. If you're in Central Ohio, I'd be happy to look at it for you.
I have a will that gives to the husband as a life estate, then to the daughter as a life estate, then to the granddaughter. The certificate of transfer gives to the daughter, who then conveys the land to another party. It appears that they have ignored or forgotten that the daughter would have... View More
answered on May 24, 2023
If the Certificate of Transfer is incorrect, then contact the attorney for the estate to file with the probate court to have it corrected. If the daughter sold the property, there could be a real estate title issue for her and the buyer to resolve. If the buyer did a title examination, that... View More
Was started in march im just wondering what is the reason a case number wouldn’t show up on the county website? For probate hearing.
answered on May 18, 2023
Depends on the court and the formatting requirements. Try searching by name instead of case number.
Left numerous voicemails and finally a call went through and the attorney answered and took my name and phone number and said they would get back to me. It has been 3 months since I have received the notice of inventory and appraisal of the estate with no further contact from the attorney or the... View More
answered on May 18, 2023
The case documents are available to the public on-line. So anyone can log in to see them and see what the progress is. The probate process can move slowly. The attorney for the estate represents the estate and works with the executor, and is not necessarily obligated to keep anyone else informed... View More
POA (stepmom) reduced mine & brothers %s by 20% each & increased hers by 40%. Dad had altzheimers & couldn’t have made the decision at the time it was changed. Poa had authority with restrictions to follow estate plan.
answered on May 8, 2023
Your attorney should be answering this question for you. That said, I would probably go ahead and take the lower percentage. Once the litigation begins, the company distributing the money may freeze the account. And, you may need the money to help pay for the costs of litigation. But, even if you... View More
After signing notice of appraisal, to only be informed at final disposition.
answered on May 1, 2023
As a beneficiary, you are entitled to notice of the various stages of the case. You may also waive your right to those notices...and this is commonly done. If you have a copy of every document you signed, look them over.
which executor handles the jointly owned accounts? Who does the money in those accounts go to?
answered on Apr 29, 2023
The funds in the joint account go to the second spouse to die and administered under the will of the second to die. If the order of deaths is unknown, then you need to speak to an attorney.
Other assets are more complicated, as it depends how the wills were written and how they address... View More
Surviving spouse is afraid that Probate Court process is required in all death of spouse situations.
answered on Apr 27, 2023
If the real estate transfer is in the will, then probate court is required to get a Certificate of Transfer. When the transfer is by a survivorship deed or by transfer on death affidavit, probate court is not required for that transfer, but might be required if there are other transfers under the... View More
She does have a bank account with maybe $600 in it. I have not done anything to get access to this account. I also did not file her taxes. Looking for guidance or at least to be pointed in the right direction to a lawyer who can assist.
answered on Apr 22, 2023
If you want to try to settle her estate you likely will need to open up a probate case. The person appointed to be the administrator / executor has the legal authority to settle debts, file taxes, etc. on behalf of the estate. Keep in mind that most creditors must present their claims against the... View More
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