Does the trustee have any obligation to provide supporting documents when the requests are funneled through a layman?

Since your children are the beneficiaries and they are all adults, they should deal directly with the Trustee. A smart Trustee will provide...

Do state and local governments recognize a durable power of attorney that was in force when a person is murdered?

I agree with Attorney von Dohlen. The challenge in your case is that the POA expired at the time of your life partner's death. In addition to...

I agree with Attorney Pippen. In the typical situation, a funeral home will select a "custodian of the body", who will be the deceased person's...

What steps could we take to clear her credit record and make her father take financial responsibility these loans?

Unfortunately, if the life insurance proceeds were not left to your girlfriend, but left to her father, he can do with the insurance proceeds as he...

Can I be appointed legal guardian until church finds someone to adopt baby?

You may wish to consider becoming the baby's standby guardian, as it appears that the birth parent may not be able to care for the child. You can...

When one of us dies, will our part of the land go to the other or will it go to our respective spouse?

When a deed is titled "joint tenants with right of survivorship," then the surviving joint tenant will be the full owner of the property after the...

No assets. Does her will have to be probated?

I am sorry for your loss. Normally, when someone does not have any assets, there is no need to probate the will. However, the key question here...

Do I need an attorney for a simple probate (house only - 2 beneficiaries listed in will)?

I would strongly urge you to retain an experienced Washington estate attorney to assist you. Why? a) as a fiduciary, you have a duty to make...

How can I get an official copy of her Birth certificate?

I am sorry for your loss. Since you are a non-family member, you can obtain a certified copy of an "informational" death certificate which should...

Can I cut out another beneficiary from an annuity?

Absent proof that the beneficiary designation was the result of a fraud perpetrated on the person signing the document or that the person who...