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Probate Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Connecticut on
Q: Which state to file probate case in?

My father was a resident of Connecticut and owned property there, but was recovering in a short term rehab near me in Massachusetts at the time of his death. I can't seem to get a straight answer on which state I need to file a probate case. He was only in Massachusetts 68 days and intended to... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 28, 2024

Consult with a probate attorney in CT for advice on venue. Sometimes it is better to venue shop, especially in view of estate creditors and asset location. Or it may make no difference except to the fiduciary's convenience.

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Connecticut on
Q: Which state to file probate case in?

My father was a resident of Connecticut and owned property there, but was recovering in a short term rehab near me in Massachusetts at the time of his death. I can't seem to get a straight answer on which state I need to file a probate case. He was only in Massachusetts 68 days and intended to... View More

Steven Basche
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Steven Basche
answered on Mar 28, 2024

Based on the information you provided, you would be better off filing in Connecticut. It sounds to me that he was a resident of Connecticut, and was only temporarily in Massachusetts. Also, because he has assets in Connecticut, the Connecticut probate court, would certainly have jurisdiction.

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Connecticut on
Q: Which state to file probate case in?

My father was a resident of Connecticut and owned property there, but was recovering in a short term rehab near me in Massachusetts at the time of his death. I can't seem to get a straight answer on which state I need to file a probate case. He was only in Massachusetts 68 days and intended to... View More

Gerald Shea
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Gerald Shea
answered on Mar 28, 2024

Your father's domicile controls, which is where he lived with an intent to return. If he has a CT condo, receives mail there and intended to return, then probate court for the town of his Connecticut residence would have jurisdiction.

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: All liens and creditors are paid off.Can the estate be turned over to me immediately and the funds in my name?

My lawyer has control of my father’s estate. Ohio commerce has 120 day processing turnaround. This was supposed to be done in August 2023 when he first received it.

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Mar 27, 2024

You should ask the executor or administrator. If the attorney is acting as executor or administrator, then they have a duty to keep you informed. If you're dealing with unclaimed funds, then any delays could be justified.

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: All liens and creditors are paid off.Can the estate be turned over to me immediately and the funds in my name?

My lawyer has control of my father’s estate. Ohio commerce has 120 day processing turnaround. This was supposed to be done in August 2023 when he first received it.

Beverly A Stull
Beverly A Stull
answered on Mar 27, 2024

The probate courts in different counties of Ohio have different rules for when property can be distributed. In most counties I've worked in, real property cannot be transferred until the Inventory in the estate has been filed and/or approved. Some counties can transfer personal property... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: Does "all persons entitled to distribution" include only people mentioned in the will?

"The Personal Representative is required to file an accounting of the financial transactions that have occurred in the administration of the estate unless all persons entitled to distribution of the estate have signed a written waiver of account or a written acknowledgment that the person has... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

In California law, "all persons entitled to distribution" typically refers to the beneficiaries who are named in the will or those who are legally entitled to inherit under intestate succession laws if there's no will or applicable provisions in the will. This usually does not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: My family home has been left to me. How do I get my name on the deed? The deed is clear. What do I do now?

Family who lived there is dead. I'm paying the back taxes.

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Mar 26, 2024

That depends on how it was 'left' to you.

By a ladybird deed? Record the appropriate death certificate(s) and property transfer affidavits with the appropriate agencies.

By Will? Probate the estate and the PR can transfer by deed.

Some other way? Some other...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate for California on
Q: CA is a will needed? What will happen without a will? no family, artist, writer.

Will a letter of intent work for personal items, manuscript, etc instead of a will? Would a make your own will work, what form/doc is needed? Or does one need to go through a do your own legal office? Price? OR make some kind of real, more expensive will. IS lawyer needed? Due to no family what... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

In California, if you pass away without a will (intestate), your assets are distributed according to state laws, which typically means your closest relatives will inherit. However, if you have no family, your estate may escheat, or revert, to the state. Personal items, manuscripts, and artworks... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate for California on
Q: CA is a will needed? What will happen without a will? no family, artist, writer.

Will a letter of intent work for personal items, manuscript, etc instead of a will? Would a make your own will work, what form/doc is needed? Or does one need to go through a do your own legal office? Price? OR make some kind of real, more expensive will. IS lawyer needed? Due to no family what... View More

Karn Thapar
Karn Thapar
answered on Mar 26, 2024

It is highly recommended that you have either a will or a living trust in place to transfer assets after passing. A will must be probated through the courts, so a living trust is another option which allows you to bypass probate if set up properly. What documentation you need is highly dependent... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Georgia on
Q: Land was given to 2 siblings in a will. One sibling passed away and was married. Does the widow of the deceased person

Does the widow of the deceased person has rights to the land? No will was made for the deceased person to give the land to their spouse.

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Mar 26, 2024

The exact answer depends on a few factors regarding the dates of death of the parent and child and the terms of the will. If the will listed the child died before the parent, the gift of the land will depend on whether the gift was listed as per stirpes, per capita, or otherwise. If the parent... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Connecticut on
Q: We cannot find a copy of my father’s will and are unsure what law firm he used to draft it. Is there a way to find out?
Steven Basche
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Steven Basche
answered on Mar 26, 2024

Unfortunately, there is no central registry for wills. often attorneys will post on the Connecticut Bar Association, listserv asking if anyone has the will for a particular individual. Keep in mind that if you are unable to locate, the will, the Connecticut intestacy statute may provide for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: My mom passed away. She had a house with a mortgage no will. Someone wants me to transfer title.

Asked for a general warranty deed so I can transfer title. I do not want the property since there is a mortgage. Any repercussions doing this?

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Mar 23, 2024

Be careful!

I recommend getting a lawyer, or at least sitting with one to get all your options. You should find out how much is owed on the mortgage, and how much the house is worth.

I would like more info to give you solid advice. Do you have any siblings? Dead or alive? Do they...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Texas on
Q: How do I find if a decedent has a will.
Isaac Shutt
Isaac Shutt
answered on Mar 23, 2024

Here's what we typically do:

Step 1) Search the court records for the county in which the deceased resided at the time of death.

Step 2) Then, we send a letter from our law office to any of the people who might have had possession of a will.

Step 3) Then, if we still...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Texas on
Q: How do I find if a decedent has a will.
Gratia "Grace" P. Schoemakers
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

To determine if a decedent has a will, there are several steps you can take. These steps combine legal procedures with practical measures to ensure a thorough search.

Check Personal Papers: Often, individuals keep important documents, including their will, in a safe place at home. This...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Minnesota on
Q: What are my rights in a probate case

I'm a person with a disability all of my other relatives have lawyers for the probate case I do not and I did request reasonable accommodations I requested an exception I requested a lawyer but I cannot get one because everyone is using the elderly estate low-income lawyer service what are my rights

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Mar 22, 2024

I am not quite sure what you mean. The disabled don't have right to have an attorney appointed to represent them as an indigent criminal defendant does. Are asking about access to the courtroom or the ability to participate remotely?... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Oregon on
Q: Can a durable POA still be used after the person has passed,when it was for payrolls and health?

My sister n law and brother could take my mom to her appts.as I work 2 jobs and could not...now my mom passed and they have not showed me the will or financial records.and I have heard from a caretake sister n law took 20k..when my mom was alive..they refuse to share info with me. And will not give... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Mar 22, 2024

I'm very sorry for your loss. A Power of Attorney can no longer be used once the Principal (the person who signed it) has died and the Agent (the person named to act in the POA) has been informed of the death. I recommend you make your demand for a copy of the Will in writing and keep a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: If there is a will & trust with money for estate, shouldn't the executor use that money instead of his own creditcards??

Executor of my mom's trust, which I am beneficiary to, has been using his credit cards for expenses. And detailing and charging the trust of all the interest charges be accrued. Can I somehow dispute these charges and get back into the trust??

Karn Thapar
Karn Thapar
answered on Mar 22, 2024

Generally speaking, the executor should not be commingling estate funds and personal funds. Sometimes the latter is used for convenience, however best practice is to use the funds available from the estate to pay estate expenses. Regarding getting back into the trust, you should speak to a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: If there is a will & trust with money for estate, shouldn't the executor use that money instead of his own creditcards??

Executor of my mom's trust, which I am beneficiary to, has been using his credit cards for expenses. And detailing and charging the trust of all the interest charges be accrued. Can I somehow dispute these charges and get back into the trust??

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

In California, the executor, also known as the trustee in the context of a trust, is typically expected to pay for trust-related expenses directly from the trust's assets rather than using personal funds. This is to ensure that all transactions are transparent and the trust’s assets are used... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Michigan on
Q: Does it void an eviction if the house goes in to probate after the eviction was ordered

My sister served me with a eviction papers after my mom passed away and the courts ordered the eviction and now my lawyer is sending it the house in the probate. Does that cancel out my eviction do I have to leave my house?

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Mar 21, 2024

More information is needed to answer this question. It is not apparent whether your sister had the authority to sue for eviction. Was she the owner of the house? Whether the probate action will result in different ownership is another question. Were that action to result in the recognition of... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Michigan on
Q: Does it void an eviction if the house goes in to probate after the eviction was ordered

My sister served me with a eviction papers after my mom passed away and the courts ordered the eviction and now my lawyer is sending it the house in the probate. Does that cancel out my eviction do I have to leave my house?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

When a property goes into probate after an eviction order has been issued, the situation can become complex. Probate is the legal process where a will is reviewed to determine whether it is valid and authentic. However, typically, an eviction order issued by a court before the property was placed... View More

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