How do in investigate my parent power of attorney for money mis managment?

If your parents have capacity, there is not much you can do. If your parents are incapacitated and you have evidence that your sister is abusing...

If you lived with a guy for 36 yrs. and not married, but went by his last name and he died can u draw his social security?

I agree with Ms. Sinclair. Unless you can prove common law marriage, then you are out of luck. Marriage still provides some legal benefits, and...

When determining the amount to claim for in probate what can be used (ie, lost wages, atty fees, court costs, etc)?

People always ask for costs. They are seldom awarded. You should have an attorney assist you with this, however. Even if you are not awarded costs,...

My father passed away 12 years ago. My mother is still living in her home.Her will states that her house is to be sold and split

I agree with my colleagues. Of course, if your mother has legal capacity, she can leave her assets to whoever she wants. You do not want her to...

Can payment for funeral expenses be recovered from estate if the person paying for it promised to pay w/o promise of repayment?

Regardless of the circumstances, I believe the son would be entitled to reimbursement. Funeral expenses are an administrative expense. Under your...

Only an interested party would have this right. That would be a beneficiary (devisee) under a Will or an heir, if there is no Will. James Frederick

Who receives community property after both husband and wife die without a will and no children ?

This is not a basic situation and you should have it reviewed by a probate lawyer to make sure who is entitled to what. Attorney David Pyke has a...

My MIL has a warranty deed leaving property to her seven children with no mention of their spouses. Where do spouses stand?

It depends on how the deed reads and what happens after your MIL's death. If this is set up as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, then it...

Mom took my inheritance. She isn't the trustee or the executor of the will. What is my first step to reclaim inheritance?

In Michigan where I practice, this would be considered "conversion." We have statutes that call for triple damages, in this kind of situation. Your...

What steps should I take to have a family settlement agreement upheld by the other party?

Sherry~ It is not clear to me why the probate court will not act to enforce the agreement. I assume that you had an attorney when the agreement...