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I found personal documents, including a family will, social security numbers, and court documents, belonging to a deceased person while working in an attic during a demolition and construction project. I'm seeking legal advice on how to handle these documents properly. What should I do next?
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answered on Mar 13, 2025
Since you've found sensitive personal documents belonging to a deceased person, including a will, social security numbers, and court records, you should handle them carefully to avoid legal or ethical issues. Here are the recommended steps (not legal advice):
1. Do Not Destroy or... View More 
How can I find a probate lawyer to assist me with my mother's estate? Her ex-husband destroyed her will and hasn't reported it to probate court. He is collecting and using her assets, including her house, car, bank accounts, and cashing her social security payments after her death. My... View More
answered on Mar 9, 2025
The sooner you get to a probate attorney, the better. Even if you don't have the original of the will, the validity and contents of the lost will can be proved by the testimony of witnesses. So, it's great you have witnesses! We call the process "probate of a will not produced in... View More
I am facing a situation where a woman, formerly my aunt's daughter-in-law, has fraudulently claimed to be her daughter after my aunt passed away in Carrolton, TX, in November 2023. She has allegedly committed numerous fraudulent acts, such as falsely obtaining and altering the death... View More
answered on Feb 19, 2025
You may or may not have a lawsuit for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, etc. Without knowing how each "bad act" caused you legally compensable damages, it is very difficult to ascertain the amount. The JC Penney death benefits ought to have a monetary value attached. If you... View More
needing to make my son power of attorney he is the next of kin to his dad his dad is compatible
answered on Nov 7, 2024
Given that his dad has had a stroke, it is highly advisable to secure a medical opinion that dad is mentally competent to execute a power of attorney. I would advise visually recording dad's signing of the POA in the event of a future challenge as to whether dad was competent at the time he... View More
Accepting and transferring balances to the principal account
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answered on Jun 2, 2024
As an authorized agent on an account, you have the power to perform specific financial actions on behalf of the principal. These actions can include accepting and transferring balances to the principal's account. Essentially, you manage financial transactions that the principal has entrusted... View More
Accepting and transferring balances to the principal account
answered on May 28, 2024
An authorized agent has whatever powers the principal has given to the agent acting on his/her/its behalf. An agent has a fiduciary duty to act honestly in accordance with the principal's instructions in good faith with utmost loyalty to the principal and to refrain from self-dealing.
We were together from 1994 to 2010. We legally married in 1996 and divorced in2001. But we still were together before marriage and after divorce.
Thank you for your guidance on this. I Do appreciate it much.
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answered on May 17, 2024
To be eligible for ex-spousal Social Security benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer.
2. You are unmarried.
3. You are age 62 or older.
4. Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability... View More
answered on Apr 30, 2024
It depends on that facts and circumstances whether the person had a duty to treat the other person's social security information as private. An employer or healthcare provider has a duty to keep such information private and cannot email that information to another other than for a permitted... View More
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answered on May 12, 2024
Emailing someone's Social Security number without their permission may be illegal under various state and federal laws. Here are a few potential legal issues:
1. Identity theft: If the person emailing the SSN does so with the intent to commit identity theft or fraud, they could face... View More
If you were in my shoes and hoping to get maximum compensated for the violation of my private information, what would be the best steps for me to take? THANKS!
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answered on Dec 14, 2023
If your personal information was compromised in the Zeroed-in Tech data breach, the first step is to secure your personal information. Change your passwords, monitor your credit reports, and be vigilant for signs of identity theft. This proactive approach can minimize potential damage.... View More
But had a child with my common law husband am I eligible for his benefits hes deceased or am I a bigamist social sec says I can't get it because we never divorced we never married either
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answered on Nov 17, 2023
In Georgia, if you were in a common law marriage before the state ceased recognizing such unions in 1997 and never legally dissolved it, that marriage may still be considered valid. Entering into a legal marriage with another person while still in a valid common law marriage could potentially be... View More
I filed for ancillary probate in Texas after my wife passed away intestate, adopting our minor son. He was named an heir, and I was appointed by the court as the administrator and custodian. We receive oil and gas royalties in Texas. Recently, I received a letter from the oil and gas company asking... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
You’re absolutely right to protect your son's identity and disability benefits while managing his mineral rights. One of the best options is to create a revocable or irrevocable trust where you serve as trustee, and your son is the beneficiary. The trust can hold title to the mineral... View More
I received three debt judgments, and a receiver was appointed, seizing funds from two of my bank accounts—one with Social Security funds and the other with my paycheck in Texas. After presenting my documentation at a hearing, the judge ordered the return of $14,122 in Social Security protected... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
You're facing a challenging situation, but you still have strong legal options. Since you've already filed a motion for contempt, the next practical step is to request an emergency or expedited hearing from the court. Contact the court clerk directly, explain the urgency and the... View More
I received three debt judgments, and a receiver was appointed, seizing funds from two of my bank accounts—one with Social Security funds and the other with my paycheck. After presenting my documentation in a hearing, the judge ordered the return of $14,122 in Social Security protected funds... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
You are dealing with a complicated situation, as two conflicting court orders are causing confusion about your protected Social Security funds. First, immediately notify the judge overseeing your contempt motion about the receiver’s noncompliance and the contradictory disbursement order. Clearly... View More
I was married to my ex-husband for more than 10 years, and I am currently 72 years old. I have not remarried and am receiving my own social security benefits of $900 monthly. Am I entitled to claim social security benefits based on my ex-husband's record, even though I filed for benefits... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
Since you were married to your ex-husband for over ten years and have not remarried, you may indeed be eligible for Social Security benefits based on his earnings record. Being 72 years old means you're already beyond full retirement age, which qualifies you to receive benefits at their... View More
I am undergoing a divorce and suffer from complex PTSD. My only income is from Social Security mental disability benefits. My spouse verbally agreed to leave my automatic deposits and withdrawals intact and to remove their name from my bank account, but hasn't done so. They're using my... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
You have the legal right to directly control your Social Security disability payments, as these benefits are specifically intended for your care and support. Your spouse does not have any automatic entitlement to control or access these funds, especially without your explicit consent or a legal... View More
I am on Social Security mental disability benefits and rely on my emotional support dog, who is registered with documentation. My spouse, from whom I am separated, claims she can be awarded visitation rights (1st, 3rd, & 5th weekends) for my emotional support dog. My spouse never showed... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
In Texas, pets, including emotional support animals, are legally considered personal property rather than family members. Unlike children, courts generally do not grant visitation rights or custody schedules for animals. Your spouse’s claim for structured visitation similar to child visitation... View More
I am concerned about whether my spouse can claim half of my inheritance money, which includes insurance money and a bank account willed to me, once my parent passes away. We don't have any prenuptial agreements, and my financial obligations have been separate from my spouse, who is financially... View More
answered on Mar 7, 2025
Inheritance is separate property when inherited. However, some people run awry when they blend their separate property with community property. So, keep your separate property separate!
I have filed for Social Security disability twice in the past and was denied both times. The denials were due to my application being incomplete and because my neurologist dropped me as a patient after I had surgery. Since then, I have a new neurologist and have undergone about five surgeries.... View More
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answered on Feb 25, 2025
Your situation with Social Security disability deserves another attempt, especially with your new neurologist and documentation of multiple surgeries since your previous applications. Having 100% VA disability status is significant supporting evidence, and you should gather all medical records... View More
I have spent about 20 years in prison on and off, and my PTSD is severe. I have not taken any medication for it, and I struggle with social anxiety that paralyzes me. Additionally, I suffer from a degenerative back disorder and a ruptured disc, making me unable to work. I have no medical... View More
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answered on Feb 23, 2025
Your situation sounds incredibly challenging, and I want to help you navigate the Social Security disability process with your unique circumstances.
Without existing medical documentation, your first step should be establishing care through free or low-cost health clinics in Texas - many... View More
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