The Beliveau Law Group - Attorneys at Law
Estate Planning | Business Law | Tax Law | Real Estate | Probate | Medicaid | Litigation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I understand, if I convert a rental property into a primary residence for two years, I can save a lot on taxes at time of sale. What evidence does IRS require to substantiate this property has been converted to primary residence for a two year period? [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Hi, I have a simple question. Maybe someone can help?…. My 93 year old mother has dementia but is still cognizant part of the time. She has 24 hour care at home. My brother and sister have joint POA. There are seven siblings in our family. Another sister with a drinking problem has been doing the bills and paying the care givers. It was brought to my attention by one honest care giver that she had been mistakenly paid four times for the same week. The care giver was honest enough not to cash the checks. My brother and sister that are the POA’s are very secretive with the money. I want to do an audit of my mother’s check book for the last few years and have asked to see the bank statements. They have hidden the statements. My question is do I have the right to see my mother’s statements to reconcile her checkbook and make sure there have been no errors or fraud? If I do have this right how do I go about getting the bank statements from the POA’S? Thank you for your help, [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I have two IRAs, a regular one that I funded and an inherited one. An RMD is required for each. Can I take both RMDs from the inherited IRA until it is depleted?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
No, you can’t take it all from one IRA. You can lump the traditional IRAs into one column and the inherited IRA in another. With the traditional IRAs, you may make the withdrawal from one of them if you have several. If you have inherited more than one IRA from the same person, you may make one withdrawal from those inherited IRAs.
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Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The tax attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for taxation. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My sister is kind of disabled and on Medicaid & Medicare. She’s getting an inheritance. Will she be able to keep the money? thank you for your help
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
As she is on Medicare, I am assuming that she is over 65. Different rules apply for different ages. Medicaid is an asset based program. If she receives an inheritance, she will no longer be eligible for Medicaid if she keeps it. Her options will be to establish a d(4)(a) trust, which is a self-settled special needs trust with a family member as Trustee, or set up an account with a pooled trust, which is also a special needs trust but run by a charity. In both scenarios, any money remaining at your sister’s death will be paid over to the state to reimburse it for its expenses paid on your sister’s behalf. She can’t make any other gifts without incurring a transfer penalty.
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Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The elder law attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for estate and asset protection planning. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My mother is in a nursing home. Before that I was her caregiver. I am still her power of attorney. I still live in my childhood home and have started a family of my own. My brother just got out of prison and wants the house. He only lived in the house for one year and never paid even one bill. I used my retirement from a previous job to pay off the house and I’ve paid every bill for almost 10 years. My mother has 4 children in total and everyone else has started a family and lives elsewhere. Does my brother have any rights? Can he force my family out of the house? Can he even try to sell without permission from me and the rest of my siblings? [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I received a noise complaint while I was out of town, my sister was watching my dogs and received a couple complaints in one night. The next day I had a notice on my door saying they weren’t going to renew my lease. I’ve never had any problems or complaints about me. I called my landlord and she said it was due to the noise complaints and doesn’t want to talk about it. Is she allowed to do this?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
A month to month lease can be cancelled by either the landlord or tenant for any reason, excluding discrimination or retaliation, by written notice.
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Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The family law attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Before my mom passed away she put the deed in my sisters name and told my sister split the house with me my sister took everything what can I do [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Some of my colleagues have used these forms to create their own Will and Power of Attorney–not sure about Health Care Directive. As long as they are notarized, I assume these documents are considered as legal as those created by an Attorney–or am I mistaken? Are there cautionary tales you wish to share? Is there an online resource for these forms that you recommend? What range of costs should I expect if I complete these forms and have an Attorney review them and advise me of any issues?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
Online forms are not tailored to individual situations. It is a gamble for you to rely on them. It is very important that the Last Will and Testament is drafted and executed properly. Too many times I have seen wills that don’t do what the testator wanted because of ambiguous language or weren’t executed properly so the will wasn’t in effect. It ends up costing more in the long run because of the discrepancies which must be fixed on the back end.
[Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Looking to set up a nominee trust can a llc be the trustee? [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My mother had a stroke, but is very cognitive and alert , she is in rehab. My brother has taken over as executor to pay bills. As one of 8 siblings I have asked several times how the bills are being paid. I have asked for detail info since I knew exactly what was in her accounts. I have been told that I do not need to know, or how the money is being spent. Is this correct? Don’t we have the right to know how bills are being paid , what is in the accounts. I was having my mother sign her own checks which is capable of doing and now I have no idea if that is even happening since he asked for the checkbook. My are my rights as one of 8 children. [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The trustee bent over backwards to get personal property for 4 disinherited people named in the trust… they were not to receive anything but $1. Each. She disregarded beneficiaries and made sure these people got everything they asked for. Trustee wouldn’t listen to anyone and did what she wanted. [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My mother is 97 years old with dementia such that she needs 24 hour care. She is destitute and on Medicaid and is represented by an elder law lawyer who is her court appointed guardian. I am considering the possibility of selling our townhouse and moving to be near one of my children. I am not in a good financial place myself, another reason to move to somewhere less expensive with one of my children to keep an eye on me should it be necessary. I am 73 and without employment and with only my husband’s and my social security which do not come to enough to live on. [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My parents had a will done when they lived in Florida. They have since moved back to NH so we can help them. Should we have the will redone? [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The executor/daughter to the deceased does not want to give the cash and deed I was left in the Trust. What are my options or rights in this situation?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
You as a beneficiary of a trust have the right to know about your inheritance, unless the trust is what is called a blind trust. You should consult with a trust attorney to determine what your rights are. Often a letter from an attorney is enough to move a Trustee along.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate planning attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for estate and asset protection planning. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I have just lost my grandmother. She left me her 401k, life insurance, and I’m pretty sure her estate
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
As a beneficiary of the 401(k) and life insurance, you will inherit these assets outside of probate. Her estate will be governed by her will. If she named you as the sole beneficiary, then only you will inherit. Legally, you are not required to share a bequest that a testator made to you. However, the fact you are asking this question leads me to believe that others in the family believed that they would inherit from your grandmother, as well. If your grandmother made statements to them that they were included in her estate plan, be ready for a fight, especially if she had a large net worth. Some family members may claim that you exerted undue influence over your grandmother so that she changed her beneficiaries to be just you.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The probate litigation attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My mother passed away 3 months ago. I have two siblings….our dad had a new(old) girlfriend less than 2 weeks after we buried our mother. He is taking this new girlfriend to look at headstones and we do not agree with the choice. Can we stop him from placing headstone? Or at least make it where we all have to decide what goes on headstone?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
Assuming the burial plots are owned by your father, legally you have no right to block his choice of headstone.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate administration attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My mother is 88 years old. She would like help paying bills, being a representative for her with her bank and other creditors. What type of form do I need?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
A power of attorney is a document which gives an agent the ability to make financial decisions for the principal for a certain transaction or period of time. It will cease to be valid if the principal becomes disabled. For instance, if you are selling a home, you may give your attorney the right to sign the contracts for you if you are out of state.
A durable power of attorney does the same except it is a broad power and lasts through incompetency. A durable power of attorney is often executed for estate planning purposes.
In both cases, the agent owes a fiduciary duty to the principal to act in the principal’s best interest. [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
She refused medical treatment and was told that doing so could result in death. She is not suicidal, but if she continues her current course she could die. Is there any legal way to compel her to medical treatment? [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I want to leave my house for my daughter when I die and avoid probate. [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My Grandfather passed away in 2007. 6 months before his passing, he sold the home he had left in his will for my mother. My Mother passed away in 2016. 6 months before, her mother, my grandmother, passed away in 2017. My grandfather’s will was possibly never read in 2007 stating that my Mother would have inherited the home sold in 2006. My uncles have claimed the properties they inherited but did not inform my siblings and me of this recent finding. What are our rights in regard to what was intended for our mother?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
If a will lists a specific asset with a specific beneficiary, then the beneficiary is entitled to only that specific asset if the decedent died owning the specific asset. So, lets say that the person who writes the will (the Testator who we will call T) states that property 1 Main Street goes to A and everything else goes to B & C. During life T sells 1 Main and with the proceeds buys 2 Main Street. T does not update his will. Upon T’s death, the bequest to A will lapse because T no longer owned 1 Main Street and B & C will inherit everything.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate administration attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My father is 80 years old and his wife Gracie is 72. They have been married for 32 years. My father has 3 children with my mom, he and his wife have no children together and she had no other children previously. She owned their home when they got married and they have had several subsequent mortgages; currently they are upside down in mortgage debt. Gracie has bequeathed the home to family members other than my Dad (her cousin’s children) upon her passing. We do not know if there are any provisions for my father to stay in the home if she predeceases him and cannot get that answer. If Gracie passes (she is not well) can her beneficiaries put my father out of his home? Would it make sense for him to have a Quitclaim Deed prepared, putting the home in his name to protect himself if she does pass before him? He is her Durable Power of Attorney. Thank you so much in advance. [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My husband and his mother bought a two family 20 years ago I just married my husband five years ago he has no children of his own his mother has five children what happens with the house if one of them dies? Thank you…They are both pretty ambivalent about seeing a lawyer they seem to think everything will just work out.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
It depends on how your husband and mother-in-law took title to the property when they bought it. If they purchased it as joint tenants by right of survivorship, the the survivor of the two of the will have sole ownership of the property. When the survivor dies, it will go through probate. If they purchased it as tenants in common, each of them is considered owning 1/2 of the property individually and the 1/2 interests will go through the probate process separately upon each of their deaths. [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My friends brother was “willed” a home from his Father. His Father setup an irrevocable trust to handle his assets after death. My friends brother kept this property within the trust for almost 24 months, expensing taxes, repairs and other items as trust expenses, then sold the house directly from the trust and is now claiming 100% of the proceeds of the sale of the house. In other words, he charged the trust $20k to maintain the house while it was in the trust (even though it was willed to him immediately after his father died), then sold the house and kept all the profits without transferring the home/title into his personal possession? Is this legal? [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My two sisters, myself, and my deceased Dad’s live in caregiver are beneficiaries of my Dad’s will. According to the will, the caregiver can live in the house up to 6 months after Dad passed. At this time we can sell the house and split the profits. If the caregiver isn’t out of the house, what can we do? Do we serve her eviction papers and have to go to court to evict her?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
Yes, the caregiver would have to be evicted if she has not yet moved. Only a personal representative of your father’s estate has the ability to file an eviction. If you haven’t done so already, you need to begin the probate process.
[Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I was asked to be a friend of mine’s durable power of attorney he is incarcerated and is just too much for me to handle I would like somebody else to take over how do I take myself off a durable general power of attorney
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
You are not locked into acting as someone fiduciary agent. Your friend may execute a new power of attorney electing someone else as his fiduciary. If he does not do this, you can resign by delivering the resignation in writing to him and anyone else who holds a copy of the power of attorney. [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
A Quitclaim, which turned ownership of the house to her three kids for one dollar was drawn up in 2005. Mother is now in assisted living and my brother is buying out his two siblings’ share. Why would the lenders’ title company want my mother to sign a ‘removal request’ to get her name off the title? Wouldn’t the Quitclaim have accomplished that? And, if not, will Medicaid consider the date of the quitclaim deed, or date of the removal request when we apply for Medicaid? We are in Massachusetts. No one has been able to answer this question. I have spent hours trying to get a definitive answer. Thank you. Is the term ‘Right of Survivorship, reserving for ourselves the Estate of Homestead’ the phrase that is requiring the ‘removal request? Was the property legally turned over to us with this Quitclaim deed so Medicaid can’t demand the proceeds from the sale of the house? [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My husband and his three siblings were deeded land via a “quit claim” by their parents. One of the siblings has passed away and did not have a will. Does his share automatically pass on to his spouse or would it pass on to his children? [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The father left me when I was 5 weeks pregnant and has not been involved …he is wanted for 3 warrants. He is a recovering drug addict.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
First the paternity must be established. If you did not name the father on the birth certificate and you were not married, he would have to petition the court to establish paternity. Once paternity is established, he can request visitation or joint custody. At this point, you can request child support. However, if he does petition the court, he will be arrested at that time on the outstanding warrants. His arrest and/or conviction is not enough to completely sever his parental rights. The family court would have to make a separate determination that he is an unfit parent.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The family law attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The trust states at ages 21, 25, and 35, I could withdrawal certain percentages of the principal for family needs. At age 25 instead of taking 33% of 1.4 million, I agreed to purchase a home, go on vacation, and buy my now wife wedding ring. In the addendum, it states if I would like to purchase the home that I’m living in now I can have the opportunity to do so for $100,000. Due to the loss of my uncle, the administrator is now my grandmother and she’s not holding true to the trust. She has taken away all my rights to know what’s going on with the trust. I no longer get statements monthly, so I have no idea where I stand with my money. There are several things that she does that I believe go against the trust and I don’t know what to do about it. I am 28 years old and have never been given anything other than a car when I was 17 years old and this house. We all just verbally agreed to purchase and got an attorney involved. Now she refuses to pay the inheritance tax for me to stay in the home, so I’m facing homelessness with my wife, two children, two animals and my mother. I need help and I don’t know where to turn.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
If your grandmother, as Trustee, is not following the terms of the trust, you have the right as a beneficiary to compel her to do so. You may also have the right to remove and replace her as Trustee. If the Trustee is found to be at fault, you can request that the trust pay the legal fee. You need to meet with an experienced trust and estates attorney.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The probate litigation attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My child died. Father got custody of my grandchild. He then gave temp custody to his mother to avoid DSS getting involved. In our court agreement papers, he was suppose to inform me if he couldn’t take care of his child but never did. He gave his mother temp custody secretively
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
If appears from your question that the family court has already issued an order about your involvement in you grandchild’s care. Unless the court finds that the father is an unfit parent, he choices will be honored by the court. You should consult an attorney to determine if you have the ability to object to the other grandmother having custody.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The family law attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My spouse passed suddenly last week married since 2006 no kids, currently married he had no WILL. We kept separate bank accounts he had a small business it was easier for spending. I am not listed on checking account and it’s around $55k am I to file Small Estate Affidavit or Informal Probate. I am just trying to have the bank account and no one will be trying to get to it. I just don’t know which is the correct one to do. I am very confused and not wanting to get a lawyer to spend more money when it should be one or the other. It is kind of a shame if you have a marriage certificate and even though not on acct or no WILL it doesn’t default to you automatically in times of grief.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
By law, an asset only automatically transfers to another individual if the asset is held as a joint owner between the two or the account was set up as a transfer on death account. It is unclear what type of small business he had (LLC, sole proprietorship, S corp.) . At this point, you could be probating his business ownership, not the bank account. The asset limit for a small estate is $25,000 in Massachusetts, so you are over the limit.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate administration attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I suffer from a lot of mental issues and cannot take the stress.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
You do not have to accept the role of executor (aka personal representative). If your mother is alive, ask her to change her will and appoint someone else. If she has already passed, you will need to sign a document, a renunciation, where you decline to serve.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate administration attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I actually live in the UK. My aunt, who emigrated to the USA in the 60’s, passed away nearly 7 months ago. Since then we have contacted the Probate Court to find probate of estate has not been filed. We know there is a will, as my uncle (deceased), showed it to my father on his last visit to the USA. We have contacted the retirement complex numerous times by phone and email regarding finding the will, which they are still saying they are looking for but cannot find. We have kindly asked for details of the date of her passing, what was the cause of her passing, who her doctor was, what has happened to her belongings, etc, but have been told they are not legally able to give us such information. They received a death certificate from the funeral directors but are reluctant to email a copy. My aunt had 2 power of attorney whom died before herself. Is there any way we can view the will if not found at the retirement complex, and what would be the best solution regarding probate? Myself and my sister, both named on will, and my mother, are the only living relatives of my aunt. Any advice would be extremely appreciated. Thank you. [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My mother has Parkinson and dementia. She was recently hospitalized and is currently in a rehab center. I have always paid her bills and taken care of her even before the dementia. I am trying to get her help but I’ve come with the stumbling block (I don’t have P of A). I need to get this done but I first need to know the average cost.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
If your mother has been diagnosed with dementia, it will be too late to have a power of attorny signed. Your mother must be competent when she signs to power of attorney, which is done in the presence of a notary public. If she is not competent, you must file for a guardianship at the probate court.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate planning attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for estate and asset protection planning. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My mother had a living trust made in 2002. The account who did the living trust had passed away in 2014. My mother passed away in Oct.2017. He put my name as Maria. My name is Marie.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
The revocable trust because irrevocable upon your mother’s passing. There is no changing it now. A one letter difference in a name is not a fatal error. It is called a scrivnor’s error. The Trustee will have no problem distributing your inheritance to you.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate planning attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for estate and asset protection planning. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I am 1/4 owner of a property in Nh, my mother passed without a will so interstate succession applied and her 1/2 is Split between my brother and I. My aunt is the other 1/2 owner. She changed the name on the Deed to the house to only hers. She may have claimed she was the only living defendant left, even tho that’s not true. Just wondering if that is legal?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
You would need to see the original deed to determine how your mother owned the property with your aunt. If you aunt was already on the deed as a joint tenant, then upon your mother’s death the house automatically passed to her. If she was listed as a tenant in common your mother’s interest would have had to been probated to transfer the title. You can check with the probate court for the county of your mother’s residence to find if a probate was opened for her. You should have been notified if it was. If your aunt lied to the court, then you need to retain an attorney.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate administration attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My mother left her AT&T stock to me in her will. My sister (executor) is very spiteful now and claiming my stock as hers. Has even sold one of them. How can they assign stock without proof that it in fact belongs to the person claiming to be that person, since she has all my personal information for probate?
I even sent AT&T a copy of the will showing them it was mine legally. No response. I only got a letter stating that as I requested at least one of them has been sold and I did not sell any of it.
Can I sue AT&T for giving away or selling my stock without my consent?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
The executor has authority to sell probate property. If your sister is not following the terms of the will, then you should hire an attorney to represent you in the probate.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate administration attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My sister is trustee on my mother’s trust. She thought she could give me house because I was the oldest of my siblings. Is that true? Now I don’t think that’s true because I have a lot of siblings that are beneficiaries on the living trust.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
Distributions from the trust are governed by the terms of the trust. The Trustee should consult an attorney to determine if she is following its terms.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate planning attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for estate and asset protection planning. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My husband owns his family home (he does not live there). His brother lives there. He wants to put in his Will that the house is left to his seven brothers and sisters. He wants this house to remain in the family. He does not want any spouse or dependents to get this property. It’s like the last one standing will get the house. Is there any legal way to address this in a Will and assure that if any sibling dies their share reverts to the other siblings (and not their children and spouse)?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
Your husband would need to place the home into a trust. You can’t retrieve an asset after you have given it away, so the home has to be kept from all of the siblings. There are huge issues with the fact that he wants to keep the house in trust. One of the most important is that the house has carrying costs. Who is going to pay all of the expenses? Who will have the right to live in the property? What if no one wants to live in the property?
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I served as my father’s POA for 2.5 years before his passing.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
The answer is maybe. Usually an agent under a durable power of attorney is entitled to reasonable compensation albeit the document itself may not allow the payments (which is rare). You would have needed to have kept a log of the hours you worked. Different tasks can demand different pay schedules.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate administration attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Trust language specifies that after main beneficiary dies that the two remainder beneficiaries can receive their share as a total distribution after they reach age 25 if they request it. So they have the option of keeping some or all of their share in the trust per their request. Does this language offer the beneficiaries asset protection from divorce or creditors? If not, can anything be done to provide asset protection? The trust is irrevocable since the grantor is deceased.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
If a Trustee is required to pay over assets when a beneficiary requests, then there is no asset protection. Those assets are the beneficiary’s. The beneficiary should consult an estate planning attorney of his own. [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I have been named as executor for my parent’s will. For many years I have been his full time caregiver. I have few assets and basically no credit history. He left a house and a summer cottage. I am thinking it would be much better for my brother who has an excellent credit history and assets to become executor. I doubt I could be bonded as executor. Any advice/thoughts greatly appreciated.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
In Massachusetts and in several other states (but not all), the bond requirement can be waived in the will and the court will honor the request. If the assets are located in a state which will not waive the bond, you have to option of declining to serve as the personal representative. The person who is nominated after you in the will may then serve, or in no one is nominated, the next of kin (your brother) may petition the court to be appointed.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I’m on workers compensation and I’m suing the people responsible for it. Is workers compensation entitled to some of the money?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
Yes, worker’s compensation is entitle to recover money it advanced to you. Your attorney may be able to negotiate a lien reduction.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The litigation attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My dad passed away in 2014 . He had a will and stepmom had a will both basic mirror wills . My dad actually gave me copies of both and it named me executor in both of there wills . Before my dads death he called me up very upset he lived in Florida said I’m going to my bank and changing you to beneficiary . He said stepmom and stepson are aggravating him because he wants to move in and my dad couldn’t stand him . I was like dad relax I was busy driving told him I would call him back . The next day I get a call my dad fell but he’s OK. He should be home the next day I was told by them. Had I known he was in grave condition I would’ve flown there right away. They lied to me. I called the hospital and stepmom instructor that no information is to be given out. I explained I had a healthcare proxy. At that time I got a call saying he was unconscious and not waking up . I was very suspicious also by the time I got my flight he had passed they robbed me of being able to say goodbye. When I found out he passed I collapsed I need an ambulance and never made the trip there. Their behavior got more suspicious when she called to say she was going to ship my father’s ashes me .2 weeks later [Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I spoke to an elder care attorney about my mother going into a nursing home. I told him I have POA, healthcare surrogate and Will with me as executor. I had concerns about my mother’s home. My sister has been caring for her in our mother’s home for 4 years. She has Alzheimer’s and it’s time for her to be in a nursing home. He advised me what paperwork to get together and that she needs a living trust where her monthly income goes into I’m assuming to pay her portion of the nursing home but why can’t it just be her bank account and why $2500 for him to set it up?
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
Florida is an income cap state for Medicaid. It sounds like your mother has too much income to qualify for Medicaid. In which case, a trust must be set up to capture the excess income. It will be turned over to the state after she passes away. The other part of her income will be paid to the nursing home as her patient pay amount. Also, in Florida, Medicaid can’t place a lien on an applicant’s homestead. The home will not be placed in the trust.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My father recently passed away. He had a seizure, hit his head multiple times & was unconscious for 5 days before he passed away. My grandmother was notified when he was in the hospital the 1rst day. She didn’t call me or my brother’s until the 2nd day. By then the hospital gave her my father’s personal things ie keys, wallet etc. She went into his house & cleaned it out while he was dying. Now she’s saying he was her son so she could. She says she’s going to sell my dad’s things in a yard sale.
ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU:
Who inherits you father’s assets depends on what his will says. If he didn’t have a will, under the law of intestacy, (presuming he is single) his children inherit. If your father owned substantial assets, a probate will have to be opened to transfer the ownership to his heirs.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I divorced my wife 3 years ago. The judge awarded her full custody and residency (not ownership) of my home, even though my name (only) is on the mortgage loan. My ex has paid the mortgage late over the past two years, hurting my credit and has now moved out of the home. It appears she will try to let the home go into foreclosure, while still trying to make it appear that she lives in the home. I am engaged and expecting a new child soon. Is it reasonable to be reimbursed for her intentional financial negligence? Is it possible that I would get rewarded via child support allocation? Please advise.
ANSWER BY MARGARET L. CROSS-BELIVEAU:
As you are the legal title owner and the mortgagee, it is legally your responsibility to make sure the mortgage was paid on time. If you are on the loan it was your responsibility to make sure the loan was paid on time. Child support is earmarked for the child. The fact that you are engaged and expecting is immaterial.
You should consult a family law attorney to determine if she is in contempt of the divorce agreement.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The family law attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My mother left her estate to her 5 daughters equally. (per her will). The executor, one of the daughters, is not executing her wishes. She will not even speak about it. She did not tell us about the will. We found out by writing several lawyers in town. It has been over 2 months since our mother passed. She (the executor) has all ready taken property out of the house which was supposed to be divided equally. What can we do legally?
ATTORNEY ANSWER BY MARGARET L. CROSS-BELIVEAU:
When there is a will, the person in possession of the will is legally required to submit the will to the Probate Court. You may petition the court for an order to produce the will. You may object to her appointment as the Personal Representative (aka Executor) as she has refused to file the will and has taken things from the home. There is an option to file suit against her for the value of the objects taken from the home. However, the cost of the suit may be far more than the value of the assets.
[Read more…]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I understand there is a year for creditors to submit claims to the estate. Does this mean the heirs have to wait a full year to sell the house? Thank you!
ATTORNEY ANSWER BY MARGARET L. CROSS-BELIVEAU:
Yes, you may sell the house during probate. In order to pass a clean title to the buyers, a formal probate proceeding is required. Unless the will has specifically waived the requirement, the personal representative will need to petition for a license to sell from the probate court. You will still need to wait until the creditor period is over before distributing the proceeds.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate administration attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Just want to make sure if anything is to ever happen to me that my kids will be able to stay together and be taking great care of.
ATTORNEY ANSWER BY MARGARET L. CROSS-BELIVEAU:
A Godparent is a religious designation, not a legal one. You wish to appoint a guardian. In order to do so, you should execute a will.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate planning attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provide legal services for estate and asset protection planning. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
NAPLES
4100 Corporate Square
Suite 103
Naples, Florida 34104
phone: 239.262.8645
WALTHAM
391 Totten Pond Road, Suite 301
Waltham, Massachusetts 02451
phone: 781.890.8600
fax: 888. 801.3385
SALEM
56 Stiles Road, Suite 103
Salem, New Hampshire 03079
phone: 603.893.2304
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