Return of estate tax creates a danger for life insurance policies
With the federal estate tax now back in effect – and the possibility that it will apply to estates as small as $1 million at some point in the next few years – many people need to take a second look at their life insurance policies. Life insurance proceeds are not subject to income tax. […]
The federal estate tax is back in 2011
The federal estate tax is back in effect as of January 1, 2011. As a result of a last-minute compromise in Congress, the estate tax will be temporarily reduced for two years. In 2011 and 2012, the tax will apply to estates over $5 million, at a rate of 35%. However, unless Congress changes the […]
Do I, as executrix have the right to charge rent to a sibling who resides in an estate property?
Additional Infgormation: My sister resides in an estate property. My mom passed about 2 1/2 years ago & I have repeatedly asked my sister to pay rent as she is living there for free. She has waffled back & forth repeatedly as to her desires to purchase the house. When I attempted to put it […]
Is a lawyer liable to maintain your last will in safe storage at his office?
Additional Information: What does the lawyer who stores your last will required to do upon your death? ATTORNEY ANSWER: An attorney can take no legal steps to probate your will unless directed by the executor who is named in the will. Upon your death, your executor may request your will from the attorney and proceed […]
What if a beneficiary refuses to communicate with me regarding disbursement? As trustee what can I do if she refuses the money?
Additional Information: I am trustee of my fathers estate. I have attempted to communicate with one of the beneficiaries who was left a designated amount but she refuses to reply to my letters. I have been told by a family member that she does not want the money but as stated, I have received no […]
How to prevent slip-and-fall claims
More than a million people suffer a slip-and-fall injury each year, and some 16,000 die as a result. Slip-and-fall injuries often lead to significant legal awards against property owners and landlords, so it’s wise to take precautions. A recent study by the insurance company CNA makes the following recommendations for commercial property owners: Putting carpet […]
My father’s home has been in my name for the past 10yrs. He’s 70 and wants me to put his house back into his name.
Additional Information: I told him that I didn’t think it’s a good idea, but he refuses to listen. Any suggestions of what to tell my dad. ATTORNEY ANSWER: I suggest that you and your father consult with an elder law attorney in your area. (You can visit the website for the National Academy of Elder […]
Who handles our revocable trust we setup in 2004 after a tragic death in the family? 2 parties claim to handle it.
Additional Information: Rev. Trust was setup by WESI Family of Comanies/American Family Legal Centers now called the Estate Services Group/Michael Fisher. He is being sued by the other party claiming to represent our trust: United Integrity Group. They transferred our trust to Puritan Life Insurance Services. Michael Fisher claims he still handles the trust. Originally […]
Can I break my lease if the apartment has bedbugs?
Additional Information: Moved into this apartment when I was pregnant, and found out that there are bedbugs in the apartment. Told the landlord and they exterminated my bedroom. After the extermination, still getting bitten, reported again and they exterminated again and still seeing bedbugs not just in the bedroom but in other parts of the […]
How do we do a house transfer, not purchasing it just transfer?
Additional Information: My father in law wants to transfer the house to my husband now due to health issues. My questions is do my husband and I have to get rid of our credit card debt before the transfer can take place. We aren’t purchasing the house it’s just being transferred now. ATTORNEY ANSWER: Your […]