Questions answered by James P. Frederick

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My son recently passed away and he had received a severance package from his job. He did not leave a will.

James's answer | Answered on March 28, 2013

This depends in part on the amount of the package. I am assuming it is relatively small, but you do not say. Michigan has several small estate...

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Minneapolis home falling to tax forfeiture. Options?

James's answer | Answered on March 28, 2013

The one thing clear from your scenario is that bankruptcy will not help you. You need to probate the property in order to get it into your name. At...

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What should I do if the person who has the will denies the existence of it?

James's answer | Answered on March 28, 2013

You have a very difficult, but not uncommon situation, which is most prevalent in cases where there was do-it-yourself estate planning. That does...

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How do I protect my sister and I from my mothers estate going into probate with the State of Washington?

James's answer | Answered on March 28, 2013

I agree with Attorney Steinacker. I would simply add that you want to be careful to keep the mortgage payments up to date. As long as the mortgage...

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What happens if an individual has a life insurance policy, and provider goes out of business?

James's answer | Answered on March 28, 2013

Insurance companies are generally required to pay into state guarantee funds, which are designed to mitigate some of the losses, in the event that...

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My dad died and brother is executor!

James's answer | Answered on March 28, 2013

I agree with Attorney Pankowski. Before this situation gets even more out of hand, you need to have a lawyer look into things to determine how to...

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Do heirs have the right to know trust's approximate value before the person giving the inheritance dies?

James's answer | Answered on March 28, 2013

I agree with Attorney Pankowski. Heirs have virtually no rights whatsoever, until the date of death. Part of the reason for this is that in theory,...

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My brother was executor of my parents estate and was buried in the family plot. How do i make sure I get the last grave?

James's answer | Answered on March 28, 2013

I agree with Attorney MacLellan. The cemetery will allow whoever owns the plot to control this issue. If the plot is owned by your father, then you...

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How do I handle this situation on my taxes?

James's answer | Answered on March 28, 2013

There is a 1099 form you can file with the IRS along with your return to correct income that was improperly reported. Yes, you can split the income...

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What are problems associated with 3 people on a deed, one leaves half of their portion to an outside party?

James's answer | Answered on March 28, 2013

I agree with Cynthia. Your situation may be fairly complex. The deed definitely needs to be reviewed by an attorney. What *could* happen? You could...

James P. Frederick's Answers (17267)

My son recently passed away and he had received a severance package from his job. He did not leave a will.

Minneapolis home falling to tax forfeiture. Options?

What should I do if the person who has the will denies the existence of it?

How do I protect my sister and I from my mothers estate going into probate with the State of Washington?

What happens if an individual has a life insurance policy, and provider goes out of business?

My dad died and brother is executor!

Do heirs have the right to know trust's approximate value before the person giving the inheritance dies?

My brother was executor of my parents estate and was buried in the family plot. How do i make sure I get the last grave?

How do I handle this situation on my taxes?

What are problems associated with 3 people on a deed, one leaves half of their portion to an outside party?