Questions & Answers

Can one parent legal withhold information regarding assets from the other parent after the death of a child?

I have been divorced from my ex-spouse for over 10 years. Recently, our emancipated child (not married, no children) died in a motor vehicle accident. My understanding is that, in this situation, each parent is entitled to receive 50% of the estate. I’m trying to get my ex-spouse to cooperate in generating an estate inventory. Although there are not a lot of tangible assets (child’s vehicle was totaled in the accident), my ex-spouse has been solely

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In a MA nominee trust, does “a majority of voting interest of the Beneficiaries” equal the beneficiary interest percentage?

Under “Powers of Trustees” in a MA nominee trust agreement is the following: “When, as, if and to the extent specifically directed by a majority of the voting interest of the Beneficiaries, the Trustees shall have the following powers: * to buy, sell, convey, assign, mortgage or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Trust Estate and as landlord or tenant execute and deliver leases and sublease…” Q: Is “a majority of the voting

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If family trust is in place can a home be sold with out the approval of the designated trustees?

Family trust in place with my husband and brother in law as trustees. Recently made aware brother in law has home for sale( both parents alive live in home and very elderly one disabled and unable To communicate) and planning on using proceeds to buy himself a home and “move parents in with him”. My husband was not told of any of this. Family trust in place since 2013. Quitclaim deed in name of both husband

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If I have a life estate who holds deed and pays bills?

My friend wants to give me a life estate in his home, then he wants to leave home to charity….how will deeds and will be set up and who pays taxes etc?? ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: I think what you are saying is that after your friend dies, he wants you to be able to live in the property for your life and after your death the property should be donated to a charity. Your friend

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If family trust is in place, can a home be sold with out the approval of the designated trustees?

Family trust in place with my husband and brother in law as trustees. Recently made aware brother in law has home for sale( both parents alive live in home and very elderly one disabled and unable To communicate) and planning on using proceeds to buy himself a home and “move parents in with him”. My husband was not told of any of this. Family trust in place since 2013. Quitclaim deed in name of both husband

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If I have a life estate who holds deed and pays bills?

My friend wants to give me a life estate in his home. Then he wants to leave home to charity….how will deeds and will be set up and who pays taxes, etc?? ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: I think what you are saying is that after your friend dies, he wants you to be able to live in the property for your life and after your death the property should be donated to a charity. Your friend

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I raised my granddaughter from a baby and I have a son if I leave house to both does my son have more say so than her?

I raised my granddaughter from a baby. I have a son. Upon my death, if I leave house to both of them, does my son have say so over her whether to sell or keep the house ??? ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: If you leave it to them equally, he doesn’t legally have more of a say that your granddaughter. However, is she is a minor, he can control the asset as her guardian. Follow us

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How do I get a copy of a will when I live in another state?

I live in New Hampshire and am trying to get a copy of my mother’s will. I went to the City Clerk of the Court Cook County, but did not find a link on how to download a form to obtain a copy of the will. Obviously I cannot appear at the specified location as stated on the Probate Court – Cook County website. I would greatly appreciate any advice you may offer. ANSWER BY MARGARET

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Can I leave my house to my daughter alone if she is married?

I don’t want him to have any control. ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: You can deed it to her individually, but if he is a controlling person he could easily use pressure for her to put his name on the deed.   He could also divorce her and take half.  Leaving it in trust for her is the only way to completely safeguard the asset. Follow us on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: Please note that

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