estates

[2manyrocks]

Rather than guess at what has or hasn’t happened, call the clerk and ask if a will has been probated. The clerks probate docket might be on line, but try calling to see what you can find out from a human. If a will has been probated, get a copy.

If the will got changed shortly before the dad died to exclude your GF, there could be a deadline ticking to file suit to contest the will on grounds of undue influence.

 

[JeepHead]

Rather than guess at what has or hasn’t happened, call the clerk and ask if a will has been probated. The clerks probate docket might be on line, but try calling to see what you can find out from a human. If a will has been probated, get a copy.

Thanks. I shared your advice with her so we'll see if she follows through.

 

[JeepHead]

Rather than guess at what has or hasn’t happened, call the clerk and ask if a will has been probated. The clerks probate docket might be on line, but try calling to see what you can find out from a human. If a will has been probated, get a copy.

If the will got changed shortly before the dad died to exclude your GF, there could be a deadline ticking to file suit to contest the will on grounds of undue influence.

His county actually has the probate court info online. No information found for him whatsoever.

Edit: After reading the fine print, it says information on wills won't be displayed...

 

[2manyrocks]

She needs a competent attorney to advise her. A probate case should have been opened and showing on line by now even if the will itself is not available on line. Deadlines are running whether she knows it or not.

https://www.martindale.com/?WT.srch=1

She or you can search for an estate lawyer either locally or in Michigan using this tool.

 

[rgr33]

When my dad passed, he had a trust, and we handled it ourselves , no lawyer involved.
It sounds scarier than it really is is, as long as all inheritors are on the same page

 

[kenmbz]

When my FIL passed my wife handled all the paperwork for her and her brother.

We asked my FIL lawyer what they would charge and they said about $14,000. Including tax paperwork and notices, filing etc.
It was a lot of work for my wife, but in PA pretty easy to follow directions.
He had also sold the house, so it was all debt vs. cash which made it easier.

The $14,000 number was a bit shocking, firm is well respected and it's just what they charge for this kind of work. Extra if there are complications.
He did not have a lot of $ left after debts etc. so this would have been quite a bit of a hit.

Each state and even the city could have line items during the process. Some states like NJ are more complex. Luckily we could keep this all in PA even though FIL had spent time at BIL house in NJ, it was not enough for them to pounce.

 

[D40]

Probate is the Golden Goose for lawyers and I learned that long ago, so I convinced my mother to go with a trust which avoided probate. The lawyers got nothing, but I will say this, be very careful about who you choose as Executor. My mother picked my younger sister and even though she was already set for life, she tried as hard as she could prevent my brother and I from getting our shares of the estate. She failed and we have not spoken in over ten years. It almost always happens... greed rears it's ugly head, so plan well.
My lawyer only charged me $700 to set up my trust.

 

[Flogger]

Quit claim deeds. Already divided and they won’t know it until the safe is opened.

 

[paulsharvey]

Best thing is to liquidate as much as possible prior to death. It's very easy to divide cash equally. The vast majority of estates are too small to get hit with death tax. It's hard to do with some assets, but if you really want to simplify...

 

[dnw64]

As others have said, it depends.

Our trusts are set up so that, legally & financially, there is no change after death. There are just different trustees. If the new trustees decide that there is no need to keep the Telluride, they can sell it and put the money in the trust's bank account. They can take any money they want out of the bank account at any time for any reason, just the same as the current trustees can (my wife and myself).