If I have 12 ml worth of stock at the time of my death, in order to qualify for step-up basis, do I have to put them in a trust?

The short answer is no. However, a basis step-up will not solve all your tax problems. Likewise, or alternatively, depending on your view, a trust...

Can A living Trust be written to revoke previous written wills?

A living trust does not replace or revoke a Will; in this case a new Will, called a pour-over, should be prepared to revoke the earlier Wills and...

If a beneficiary in the will petitions the court to open probate bc the nominated executor refuses, will estate still pay?(IL)

An heir can under limited circumstances have the estate pay for his or her legal fees in connection with the administration of the estate. The...

Do I need to get my own attorney regarding my mothers estate?

It sounds to me like a consultation with an attorney would be a good idea just so you can understand what your rights are and how the process is...

Based on the facts as presented, the Executor should be able to follow a specific procedure through the Court which would involve requesting that...

Regarding wills and living trusts...

The short answer to that question is no. If it was "given" to you as a gift, then it was not a loan which would need to be paid back. However,...