Inheritance

Does a person who takes care of a person before the person dies have rights to the deceased person’s house?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: My friends grandma passed away and him and his sister were taking care of her before she passed away. The uncle is the other person who was on the mortgage. The uncle is threatening to evict my friend. Does my friend have any rights to the house? He never signed any lease or any papers or documents. The uncle hasn’t served anything to my friend either. What are my friends options? ANSWER BY MARGARET

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My dad left everything in his estate to me, but there is a trustee comment involving my uncle. Would I need him to sign off?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: In the Will it specifically states “In the even that the beneficiary (myself) has not reached the age of thirty (I am 33), then in such even I give, devise and bequeath the shares of my beneficiary to my trustee (my uncle)” Summed up the rest of that section says if im under the age of 30 my uncle has to sign over all the stuff when I hit 30 and then he can

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Can adult stepchildren contest a will?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: My father passed away in 2020. My stepmother became ill in 2021. She reportedly completed a will stating that “she leaves all her earthly possession to her biological son.” There are 4 other adult non-biological children that were not named in the will. My father was the primary person that made the house payments prior to his death. This is also supported by the fact she set up a reverse mortgage after his death.

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Would putting my husband’s name on the deed, save us form probate when his mother has to be put in nursing home or passes away?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Trying to find the right and cheapest way to but my husband on his mom’s house. I don’t know if we should make a trust for the house or change the deed. I really don’t know what way to go. Mom has dementia and bipolar. She want to has us get the house without probate. ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: Having dementia doesn’t mean that one is incompetent.  However, if your husband is not an

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What are my rights as an owner of a remainder interest?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: My dad gifted me his house but reserving a life estate.  Can he rent the house or call the police on me to leave the home? ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: Yes. Life tenant has reserved the right to live there and the proceeds of income of the property until his death. Unless his actions are negatively effecting the value of the real estate, you don’t have authority over the property. Follow us on Facebook

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Can an estranged wife who disappeared more than 30 years ago challenge a will in relation to real property in Florida?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: I am helping an elderly disabled friend who fears his wife who disappeared more than 30 years ago may reappear after he dies and cause problems. He wants to will his home to a friend. To his knowledge, she knows nothing of the property where he had lived since shortly after she left. ANSWER BY DAVID M. BELIVEAU: If his wife is living, she will have spousal rights to his probate estate.  Also, under

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Disclaiming An Inheritance in Massachusetts

Disclaiming an inheritance is a legal process by which an individual chooses to renounce their right to inherit property or assets left to them by a deceased person. In the state of Massachusetts, disclaiming an inheritance can be a useful tool for those who wish to avoid the legal and financial obligations that come with inheriting property or assets. What is Disclaiming an Inheritance? Disclaiming an inheritance is a legal way to refuse to accept property

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Can I sell the home now that my grandmother passed, even though there is someone living there that took care of her?

I’m not interested in keeping the home. I have become the homeowner now that she had passed. ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: As long as you have title, you may sell the property.  However, if the caretaker refuses to leave, you will be forced to evict the caretaker. Follow us on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation

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Why wouldn’t I be included, for any inheritance or possessions my Step-Dad had when he passed away on Feb 18,2020?

My Step-Dad passed away, and he was still living with my Mom . They lived together for 40+ years. About their 35th year, the did a fast marriage thru a Magistrate judge, and afterwards, they divorced, mom and Dad both told me it was because of how much the Ins. Premium went up in cost, it’s tripled. They were given advice to divorce, and go back to how they were doing things, and they did an

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How To Protect Your Child’s Inheritance From Their Spouse

One concern we hear in the estate planning process is how to protect an adult child’s inheritance from their spouse. Sometimes this stems from a place of animosity or concern over a child’s problem partner. Some people are concerned about divorce-proofing the assets they’ll leave behind for their kids. Still others simply believe that inheritances are best kept in the “family.” Naming your child alone as inheritor. The most basic option you have is to leave

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