AllExperts > Trusts & Estates Law 
Search      
Trusts & Estates Law
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Trusts & Estates Law Questions · Question Library  · Free Encyclopedia ·
More Trusts & Estates Law Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Trusts & Estates Law
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
About Richard Fritzler
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Comparing the advantages and requirements of traditional estate practices, and unconventional methods? Are Trusts a viable asset protection vehicle? Is there an alternative to buying life insurance to reduce the impact of the estate tax. Is the elimination of the estate tax during the next decade good for everyone? I can review the benefits and misinformation that exists.

Experience
I have been in the business of assisting business owners in reducing their taxes and liability for over 17 years. We specialize in developing plans that eliminate the estate tax, not find a way to prepay it. Most small businesses do not survive the death of the principal. We want small businesses to not only survive, but flourish.

Organizations
National Small Business Owners Association.
Nevada Association of Listed Resident Agents.
Citizens Legal Association

Publications
Contributing author to "The Corporate Standard Newsletter".


   

You are here:  Experts > Money > Wills/Estate Planning > Trusts & Estates Law

Questions Answered By Expert  Richard Fritzler 
In Category  Trusts & Estates Law

SubjectDate Asked

Deed and Trusts10/16/2009
  Q: All of my rental properties are deeded in my trust,my primary residence because of a recent ...
  A: When you say "Trust" I'm going to assume that you mean Living/Family/Intervivos if any of those ...
administrater10/15/2009
  Q: can someone be an administrator of a will who in the last ten years has over 20 tax liens and 3 ...
  A: Sure. I know of attorneys that are still attorneys and Doctors that are still doctors and Financial ...
Trust and Home foreclosure10/12/2009
  Q: We have our home in a trust. For no reason, the mortgage company raised our payment from $1700.00 ...
  A: you haven't described the type of trust, so I'll venture that it is a family trust/Living ...
Will, Probate, Massachusetts, CommonLaw Marriage.9/25/2009
  Q: I'm a female living in Massachusetts. I've lived with my partner(male)for twenty five years. I've ...
  A: Is it a "Legal" document? Well, certainly it is not illegal to draft a will. Does it Follow a ...
Life Estate9/24/2009
  Q: I was willed the remainder interest in my great uncles estate when he passed away two years ago. ...
  A: Since you are the titled owner, you have the right to enter. Can she call the police? yes, it is ...
Life Estate9/21/2009
  Q: I was willed the remainder interest in my great uncles estate when he passed away two years ago. ...
  A: The devil is in the details but a Life Estate "normally" only holds while she is Living in the ...
Revocable living trust9/16/2009
  Q: I have a line-of-credit on my house. Can I transfer the house to a revocable living trust and what ...
  A: Each lein holder on your house can oppose the transfer of the property. Will they? Maybe not. They ...
Debts7/14/2009
  Q: I hope I am in the right category. This is myIn 1983 my husband borrowed money from one of his ...
  A: In this case the statute of limitation does not apply. In order for it to be a valid loan there has ...
Wills7/8/2009
  Q: My wife and I want to have wills drawn up, we have one child (5 years old). I've checked with a few ...
  A: There are huge differences between a Will and a Living Trust. A Will does nothing. It is merely a ...
Dissolving a Charitable Remainder UniTrust (CRUT)7/1/2009
  Q: Can a CRUT be dissolved with the proceeds then being paid back to me---if the Trustee agrees? Are ...
  A: Most Charitable remainder trusts are written by the charity (the Beneficiary). These are generally ...
irrevocable trust-removing trustee6/30/2009
  Q: how can the beneficiaries of an irrevocable trust remove the trustee and appoint another one? Does ...
  A: AS I see the backstory of this question you have realized that Irrevocable Trust can be a Nightmare. ...
Cost/Benefit of Will vx Living Trust6/25/2009
  Q: I'm an average 47 y/o Floridian. I mean, my house is paid off, I have some savings, mutual funds, ...
  A: Free and clear on your home is not "Average" but I appreciate what you mean. These are not mutually ...
my wifes death and setting up an estate6/24/2009
  Q: my wife died Friday 6/19/09 she and i were married for 1 year 2 months and 5 days. she and i had yet ...
  A: I am sorry for your loss. We are going to standardize on a few terms,this will help you in the ...
Transfer of Estate Funds b y Brokerage Firm6/22/2009
  Q: Recently my mother passed away; and my two sisters are named executors. They have informed me that ...
  A: I could be wrong, but. . . I don't believe there is a brokerage firm in this country that does not ...
eastate distribution6/17/2009
  Q: Sister is Trustee, as well as beneficiary. My Bro and i are also Beneficiaries. 4 months ago, mom ...
  A: The attorney is advising your sister, not you. Your sister is the client, and her attorney is giving ...
living trust terms not disclosed6/16/2009
  Q: My spouses aunt was kind enough to set up a living trust for my husband. This is for the purpose of ...
  A: This an ugly situation from your perspective. You now realize that your mother in law does not ...
eastate distribution6/14/2009
  Q: Sister is Trustee, as well as beneficiary. My Bro and i are also Beneficiaries. 4 months ago, mom ...
  A: Your sister does have a "fiduciary obligation" to do exactly what the trust document lays out. She ...
Last Will and Testament6/13/2009
  Q: My Aunt passed away in 1987 and my mom and I were told not to go to the funeral because we would ...
  A: The probate process is public. A will is only a list of suggestions to the probate court, but ...
Revocable Living Trust6/6/2009
  Q: Revocable Living Trust Under what conditions would you recommend that a person get a Revocable ...
  A: There you go again, setting me up to "soap box" on a topic. AS quick as I can: Insurance is a bad ...
Credit Card Debt6/2/2009
  Q: Fritzler: My mother recently passed away and my father passed away 4 years ago. Up to now mother ...
  A: I understand that it seems that you are paying for your parents debts, but in reality their debts ...
Credit Cards5/31/2009
  Q: Another question!!! When the day comes that I inherit my Aunts home will I be responsible for her ...
  A: No. Paying off the credit card will come before you inherit the house. If after all her bills are ...
Withdrawals from a beneficiary trust5/27/2009
  Q: I'm doing some preliminary estate planning and my question is: If I bequeath money to someone in the ...
  A: You cannot setup a trust after you die. Once you pass without anything in place the assets are ...
Revocable Living Trust5/26/2009
  Q: Revocable Living Trust Under what conditions would you recommend that a person get a Revocable ...
  A: I am not a proponent of conventional estate planning tools for Tax, Liability, or Asset Preservation ...
Revocable Living Trust5/24/2009
  Q: Revocable Living Trust Under what conditions would you recommend that a person get a Revocable ...
  A: 2 Critical Statements: A "GOOD" revocable living trust does 4 things. No one can do a "GOOD" ...
Withdrawals from a beneficiary trust5/22/2009
  Q: I'm doing some preliminary estate planning and my question is: If I bequeath money to someone in the ...
  A: Within the context of your question, the Trust does not change the underlying points of concern. ...
revocable trust taxation5/21/2009
  Q: I have an arguement with someone-I say that a revocable trust, with a trustee and grantor who are ...
  A: Well, If we go to the source to resolve this bar bet, You are both wrong. The 1041 does not apply, ...
Grandma's House5/20/2009
  Q: My Grandfather passed away approx. 2 years ago. My grandmother is still living but is now in a ...
  A: It would need to be sold at "Market Value". The market is kind of sketchy these days. Appraised ...
inheritance5/19/2009
  Q: My Mother's sister died in March of 09. My Mother received inheritance money from her sister's ...
  A: Well, John. They should be able to enjoy the money when they get it. You understood this when you ...
inheritance5/17/2009
  Q: My Mother's sister died in March of 09. My Mother received inheritance money from her sister's ...
  A: You have a pretty good grasp of the issues. Let me add that the Trustee has the Fiduciary Obligation ...
living estate3/24/2009
  Q: my husband of 8 years has a living estate to his property after a divorce settlement. His two ...
  A: The daughters can do anything except cause him to lose the right to live there until his passing. I ...
A & B Living trust3/15/2009
  Q: I live WA which is a community property state. I am making a martial revocable living trust. I ...
  A: Yes, Trust A and Trust B can be named as community property holders of real estate. You should ...
should I sign?1/2/2009
  Q: My great grandmother died and left me a quarter of her estate (under 500,000). Her sister is ...
  A: All of that may be true. It will be costly to pursue. So, beyond principle, will you actually pursue ...
death/no will1/1/2009
  Q: my mother past a couple a week ago and she has a house and some credit card in her name my sister ...
  A: Pay off the debts. You mothers estate, must be settled, debts must be paid, that is first before ...
Trusts and asset protection12/30/2008
  Q: My mother is considering putting her assets in a trust. She has a 401K and a brokerage account ...
  A: "If she forms a living trust with herself as trustee would her assets be protected from civil ...
NJ State Inheritance Tax12/28/2008
  Q: I am executor of my aunt's estate and filed the proper papers for NJ inheritance tax. I am waiting ...
  A: If all the procedures are followed the estate is free and clear. If there was mismanagement, if the ...
No will - Probate12/23/2008
  Q: My co-worker's mother in law passed away with no will and her husband was executor of her estate. ...
  A: A will does NOT affect probate. A will is only a list of suggestions to the probate court. The ...
estate12/20/2008
  Q: Can I borrow a small amount from the estate and return it upon the life policy payment being ...
  A: The executor has no right to spend, give away, or loan any of the estate assets. If you are the ...
Help Inherited Estate12/19/2008
  Q: My great uncle passed away 7/08, his niece is the executor of his estate, she sold the house in NJ ...
  A: Ummm, 3 clients; 3 times the fees. You can just say no. You are right, you don't need him to ...
not fair12/17/2008
  Q: My question to you Richard is i am the son of a wonderful mother, that after 16 months of brain ...
  A: The word Addendum actually means "added at the end". it does not replace a document, it is an ...
Trusts and Medicare11/25/2008
  Q: My mother has early dementia and lives on her own. She has approximately 70K in a money moarket and ...
  A: It was called a medicaid trust. It was an attempt to do exactly what you are asking. It was ...
Will and Trust11/23/2008
  Q: My grandfather left a "TRUST" and in his trust he wrote: At the death of Settlor, Settlor’s son VB ...
  A: This is where the black meets the white and may be grey. Based upon the short portion of the trust ...
Does A Living Trust Cause Loss of Step-up?11/22/2008
  Q: My wife and I have a living trust. We are the trustees. After the second of us dies, our adult child ...
  A: The trust does NOT jeopardize that, since the trust is just the conduit for the transfer. The ...
vacation property11/20/2008
  Q: I own a vacation property in Murphy North Carolina. I am a personal guarantor on a business loan in ...
  A: Feel free to "look into" a trust for this purpose, but I believe if you are complete in your due ...
Is a wife an heir in the state of Georgia11/17/2008
  Q: Is a wife an heir in the state of Georgia? Here's the story... My mother's husband died in April ...
  A: It is the legal standard that all assets pass from husband to wife. If there is a trust, that could ...
Trust Vs. Holographic Will11/16/2008
  Q: Mr. Fritzler, I thank you in advance for answering my question. I have read many of your previous ...
  A: As you are aware there are many ways to interpret these details, and every attorney, every judge, ...
My fiancee's 401K11/15/2008
  Q: My fiancee died on September 30,2008. I am the beneficiary on his 401K out of a Reinauer ...
  A: This is not a question that I can determine, neither can Reinauer Transportation. It is for the ...
Residuary estate9/23/2008
  Q: Mr. Fritzler, I would like to determine the best method for leaving my residuary estate to my ...
  A: I would love to be able to give you a definitive answer. Here is what is keeping me from doing ...
reading of a will and trust9/22/2008
  Q: My parents have a trust for their assets and I am the executor. Apprently as part of the trust they ...
  A: The trust only has affect over those assets that are transferred to the trust. Any assets that have ...
Contract and trust9/18/2008
  Q: In 1999 my mother and father were divorced and my mother received a tract of property that had ...
  A: I am sorry for your loss and saddened that you've had so much bad surrounding it. I wish there was ...
probate and outstanding mortgage by deceased6/27/2008
  Q: What are the options in the following situation: Dad dies and the estate is left with an ...
  A: The lender would probably not allow for a straight assumption, the buyer would have to qualify for a ...
potential new wife6/25/2008
  Q: A year ago my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer with the prognosis less than a year. A good ...
  A: She would be entitled to everything as a normal course of the law. Normally the livng spouse is ...
inheiritence6/25/2008
  Q: I am the trustee a of my sons money and assets.in my dads will it specifies that he cant get it till ...
  A: I understand your predicament, but this is actually a good position, since he wants to "SEE" the ...
liability6/20/2008
  Q: My mother is recently deceased. She owned a primary residence. We are both on title. State of ...
  A: A "living will" handles donation of body parts, a "Living Trust" is used for estate issues, and ...
inheiritence6/20/2008
  Q: I am the trustee a of my sons money and assets.in my dads will it specifies that he cant get it till ...
  A: In theory you can do whatever you want until the courts say you have to do something different. ...
carrying a note in CA6/19/2008
  Q: i am considering carring a note on a property i own in CA. What i'm wondering is how long it would ...
  A: As far as procedure and time frame I would contact your local constable's office they are probably ...
trust question6/18/2008
  Q: My mother passed away recently leaving 6 siblings as heirs. 2 of those siblings are trustees. If ...
  A: The decisions for the trust are not a popular vote, the trustees are the group that is obligated to ...
TRUSTS6/18/2008
  Q: can the trustee withhold a portion of the trust for the purpose of distributing the trust? he is ...
  A: Well, one possible reason as you probably already surmised is that he'd be out of a job. If there ...
Outstanding debt after estate has closed6/16/2008
  Q: My father's estate closed last year. During the time it took to close the estate, there was an ...
  A: The executor or the estate has the fiduciary obligation, if that was the attorney, I am sure he'll ...
carrying a note in CA6/15/2008
  Q: i am considering carring a note on a property i own in CA. What i'm wondering is how long it would ...
  A: Trust me the banks don't create red tape to make their job more difficult and slow down the recovery ...
trustee problems6/14/2008
  Q: The trustee of my fathers trust my brother has commited fraud. He replaced my daughter as ...
  A: For the insurance policy you might contact the insurance company. They would not want to pay a sum ...
Life Estate6/14/2008
  Q: Our father's wife was given a life estate to live in his house until her death as part of his will. ...
  A: I imagine your father did not have the crystal ball to foresee this and put specific verbiage in ...
Selling property during probate in KY6/12/2008
  Q: "My mother passed away leaving only a house and many medical bills. My sister and I are named as the ...
  A: You single largest potential to reduce the cost is negotiate the medical bills. Call the doctors and ...
Estate left to heirs6/11/2008
  Q: My father and mother owned a half acre of land.The land was in my father's name only.He had 7 ...
  A: If the land was not in a living trust, then it will be probated. Whether or not your parents had a ...
beneficiary signing trustee release form6/10/2008
  Q: Is it mandatory for a beneficiary of a living trust in Nevada to sign a form releasing a trustee ...
  A: There is no law that requires this type of release be signed. The trustee is trying to protect ...
home title tranfer4/7/2008
  Q: there is a guy that wants to sell his house to me..what he is asking is $25,000 and he will transfer ...
  A: He can't transfer the title, since there is an outstanding debt, the Lender gets to approve or ...
grandchildren and estate4/5/2008
  Q: Richard, Thank you for volunteering your time. My wife and her brother have a unique situation. ...
  A: No, the Nursing home does not get to make the decision of whether to distribute, they are probably ...
Irrevocable Trust4/2/2008
  Q: Do I have to file the Irrevocable Trust dividends with my personal tax return or can I file a ...
  A: Ahh yes, the Irrevocable trust, one of the least understood and most dangerous of all Tax, Estate, ...
Estate that has oil well property4/1/2008
  Q: I am executrix of an estate in Kentucky. My attorney and I are in the process of getting this oil ...
  A: I am confused. The person has already passed away. And there is a piece of real estate that is not ...
Trust fees4/1/2008
  Q: How do I find information to help determine whether an irrevocable trust executor in the state of ...
  A: Technically, they are bound to the terms of the agreement, unless the agreement allows for a change. ...
family trust2/15/2008
  Q: My mother 98yo, trustee, wants me to handle her business affairs. I am the sole benef & named agent ...
  A: If we are dealing with "Business" affairs: When we deal at the business level we can bypass some of ...
How does a trust buy a home to protect assets & avoid probate?2/14/2008
  Q: I would like to financially help my parents buy a new home without my being part of their mortgage. ...
  A: You are expecting too much from a trust and will be disappointed. A (Living, Family, Intervivos) ...
unpaid medical bills2/12/2008
  Q: My grandmother recently passed away, she was staying in a nursing home in raleigh nc. She amassed ...
  A: Is your grandmothers name on the "Title" to the house? This is the point of concern. If your ...
unpaid medical bills2/9/2008
  Q: My grandmother recently passed away, she was staying in a nursing home in raleigh nc. She amassed ...
  A: Being a co-signor and being a co-owner are not the same thing. If your grandmother is named as an ...
Limit on when a will is probated.2/8/2008
  Q: My father-in-law passed away in Kentucky over 2 and 1/2 years ago. My brother-in-law was the ...
  A: Each state has their own policies and procedures which will affect the time. I can tell you that ...
question about a loan2/7/2008
  Q: my mother-in-law co-signed on a loan for a car for her care-giver in July 2007. Mother -in-law died ...
  A: Your executor is unclear how to handle this? This is what the executor is supposed to do. Find all ...
Lawyers and CPAs for trusts2/6/2008
  Q: I just don't understand why I get different answers about my trust concerns from different lawyers ...
  A: My Experience is that most attorneys and CPA give advise on subjects they don't understand well ...
Kentucky Estate law2/5/2008
  Q: What is the percent of an Estate allowed to be charged by the Executrixes? There was a will. Is the ...
  A: I can't quote you exact acceptable rates per state, but I can say that 8-11% is quite common. And ...
husband passed away No will no kids12/5/2007
  Q: Now I need some advice about this, Ok, my husband past away in Aug, together me and my husband paid ...
  A: I imagine you can call them. If you are kind and thoughtful, you will let them know that you intend ...
deed12/3/2007
  Q: I own a timeshare in Las Vegas. There is someone else on the deed as well. How can I remove ...
  A: Being named on the deed is only one aspect. Timeshares always are tied to financial obligations, and ...
Distribution of will12/2/2007
  Q: My uncle died a year ago. (November) My cousin is the executor of the estate. He informed me that I ...
  A: There are two sources for the correct answers to these questions. If the will specifically defined ...
Family Limited Partnership11/7/2007
  Q: I have heard that a Family Limited Partnership is a good way to protect assets, but I would like to ...
  A: the theory of the Limited Partnership being a good asset protection vehicle was obliterated in the ...
addendum to living will11/7/2007
  Q: My girlfriend's grandfather died in August 2007. He had a living trust under which she and her ...
  A: At this point, there is no way to test her grandfather's state of mind and no expert witness to ...
Trust Account and prior loan over 17 years10/4/2007
  Q: My mother-in-law loaned me five thousand dollars 17 years ago. I paid back some of the loan. My ...
  A: The executor of the estate does not have a right to input their own concerns into the estate ...
LLC signer and privacy?9/29/2007
  Q: Fritzler, I hope you can shed some light on this dilemma for us. My husband and I will be ...
  A: Are you aware that All Members and All Managers of an LLC are named as part of the public record? ...
limitations of a bank as trustee9/28/2007
  Q: A relative recently passed away and now Legacy Portfolio Management has become the trustee of the ...
  A: The trustee is obligated to FIRST comply with the terms of the trust; (Unless there is specific ...
House title transfer not the LOAN9/27/2007
  Q: My sister in law wanted to transfer the title of her house over to me. What are the advantages and ...
  A: The lender will not allow that transfer. the loan that she has a due on sale clause that would ...
Estate property sale9/26/2007
  Q: My brother,sister and I are beneficiaries of my father's estate. My sister lives in my father's ...
  A: The Trustee's primary fiduciary obligation is to the beneficiaries. He has to do what is in the best ...
Estate tax9/20/2007
  Q: I am trying to understand the estate tax. I understand up to 2 million of estate value is exempt in ...
  A: Absolutely correct. The taxable amount is that which exceeds the exemption. Is this just an ...
Trustee9/19/2007
  Q: I am trustee of parents revocable trust. In-laws want to purchase house that is part of trust for my ...
  A: As trustee you are obligated to what is in the best interest of the beneficiaries. You'll get ...
death of mother9/17/2007
  Q: my mother passed away and I inherited her house. It was appraised for $300,000 and I recently sold ...
  A: If the appraisal was done at the time of her death to establish the Fair Market Value, then that is ...
trusts9/15/2007
  Q: Both my sister and I have POA for my mother who is 88 yrs and in failing health. A will is also ...
  A: So called Medicaid trusts or at least the promoters of Such Trusts have been outlawed. These trusts ...
Transfer of title from sister to brother9/11/2007
  Q: I will be buying my sister's house but meanwhile we want to have myself added to the title for tax ...
  A: She cannot transfer title, her lender would have to approve that, and they won't. She could add you ...
Wills8/17/2007
  Q: My wife's 91 year old estranged mother passed away in May of this year. A few weeks ago, her cousin ...
  A: One thing about the probate process is that it is absolutely public. You should be able to contact ...
Clear title8/16/2007
  Q: I made an offer on a property held in a trust. A General Sales Contract was signed and accepted. ...
  A: Was The general sales contract signed by all parties in the beginning? If so you have a legal right ...
Father's Will8/16/2007
  Q: My father died in May of this year. He had a will made in August of 1978. Everything is to go to ...
  A: From what you have outlined and the normal course of procedure that the Probate Courts use, you ...
Mom deceased, small estate8/15/2007
  Q: My mom died recently and had no will. She was in a nursing home & on Medicaid. The only asset she ...
  A: First you have to pay off all outstanding debts, such as nursing home costs, or credit cards, etc. ...
will8/15/2007
  Q: If a divorced, remarried person in Florida has a will that states that all his assets (note ...
  A: The short and incomplete answer is that if all assets are held jointly, then he hold no assets ...
small estate under 25,000 in Indiana8/14/2007
  Q: My brother died and I was his caregiver. He came to Indiana to live with me last Oct. He died ...
  A: I have attached information below from the Indiana Code that references what your attorney ...
itf joint bank account8/14/2007
  Q: In a Florida joint bank account held by a husband and wife that reads "spouse #1 or spouse #2 itf ...
  A: The presumed distribution at death is 100% to the spouse if alive. A joint account means that either ...
regarding power of attorney8/3/2007
  Q: A dying father gives his daughter power of attorney over his affairs. Can she quit claim his house ...
  A: The power of attorney does end at his death and the estate process takes over. The limits on a ...
reading of the will8/1/2007
  Q: My ex-husband past away in Jan 07. His wife had our kids up for her to read the Will to them. Him ...
  A: Sadly, I believe you have a real grasp of the situation. If you wanted to aggressively pursue this, ...
Disclaimer Trusts7/30/2007
  Q: My husband and I recently visited an attorney to update our wills. He suggested a disclaimer trust ...
  A: Don't pay the attorney, he has provided you no value. AND always force the attorney to give you all ...
husband's estate7/13/2007
  Q: First of all, my husband has 3 rental houses and the house we live in now. He also has 400 acres of ...
  A: The general first assumption of the probate court is that everything goes to the spouse, AFTER all ...
trust estate7/12/2007
  Q: My father was killed back in 2003 and in his will he left my mom, sister, and I about an even amount ...
  A: You can hire an attorney, spend thousands of dollars and fight the trust, your mother would use the ...
no will7/11/2007
  Q: My father died June 25th,2007--he had no will, but he also had 8 children, I am the oldest and live ...
  A: I am truly sorry for your loss, and it is doubly tragic when the loss is even greater due to splits ...
minors7/10/2007
  Q: My son has accounts for his two infants..he wants to participate in a real estate LP..since he is ...
  A: He can sign as Trustee for the Trust and have the Trust named in the LP as a partner, the Trust may ...
6 years old IRS debt?7/10/2007
  Q: * View rk_blakley's Profile * rk_blakley * Member since: February 11, 2006 * Total ...
  A: The executor of the Estate had the obligation to assure that all debts had been paid before ...
Estate1/25/2007
  Q: If Sussy purchases a house for Mike and is only uder her (Sussy) name is there a way after the ...
  A: Yes, adding people to the deed is normally a paperwork issue that is done at the county recorders ...
breaking testamentary trust1/17/2007
  Q: My mother established a testamentary trust approximately three months before her death from ...
  A: If the bank wrote the trust, and you dig deep enough you will find a clause that allows them to use ...
contesting a will1/16/2007
  Q: My question is being that my dads children were excluded from the will and his part. Would we be ...
  A: If you are saying that the "List of Grandchildren" does not include you and your siblings, then the ...
contesting a will1/16/2007
  Q: The will reads:In the event that my grandmother predecease him or if their deaths should occur ...
  A: If you are a "listed grandchild" then you have an equal interest. It appears that your grandfather, ...
contesting a will1/15/2007
  Q: My grandfather had a will that gave a 50/50 split to both him and his brother after grandmother ...
  A: Let me start with you can certainly contest the will; that does not mean you will be victorious. ...
administrator1/10/2007
  Q: WE have already filed with probate court, we are 8 months into probate already.Hi, my brother and I ...
  A: If your attorney had already given you this information, what were you hoping that I would say ...
administrator1/9/2007
  Q: my brother and I are the only living heirs to my moms will, basically we get it all, as it says. ...
  A: Your best place for those answers is your probate court. There is usually a formal process of ...
what does bodily issue mean?1/9/2007
  Q: Please Mr. Fritzler, May I ask you one more question, I promise I will be so grateful and wont take ...
  A: The most important thing to do after you create the trust is to fund it. That means transfer your ...
trust and asset control1/8/2007
  Q: my mother owns 5 rent houses she would like my brother to manage. Is there a specific trust they ...
  A: A trust is not a good vehicle to handle a business issue, but it will be fine for the estate issue. ...
what does bodily issue mean?1/8/2007
  Q: If I have a will and it says I leave my fortune ,whatever it may be, to my four children,and it says ...
  A: Let's first say that a Will is not a great place to make this argument. Because a will can be ...
Reinvesting in a trust1/6/2007
  Q: My deceased wife had a revocable trust. I am the trustee. The trust specifies that "the net income ...
  A: A revocable trust is not an investment vehicle. It is solely a document that explains distribution ...
estate1/4/2007
  Q: "Hi, my aunt has been stressing about planning her estate. She has no children but has many ...
  A: She is probably leery about a trust because she is thinking of an Irrevocable Trust. A Living Trust ...
estate1/2/2007
  Q: my aunt has been stressing about planning her estate. She has no children but has many individuals ...
  A: Your aunt's worries about trust are valid, IF you are talking about an IRREVOCABLE trust. She would ...
Removal of Trustee1/2/2007
  Q: My Father passed away in July. My sister and I are the named successor Trustees for his living Trust ...
  A: You can resign as trustee simply by notifying the trust. HOWEVER, being a trustee does not give you ...
Dissolving or voiding a Trust12/28/2006
  Q: In early 1999 stocks were sold that bore both my wife's name and her fathers, although her father ...
  A: I'm going to make the assumption that the trust WAS revocable. That means the "Grantor" could make ...
reference to excutive of will and property and heirs12/28/2006
  Q: you have it all wrong man. My grnadfather left the house to all four of them just making my mom the ...
  A: I'll reply anyway just to clear it up, one more time. The whole concept of the estate process is to ...
Dissolving or voiding a Trust12/27/2006
  Q: In early 1999 stocks were sold that bore both my wife's name and her fathers, although her father ...
  A: It appears that your father in law's plan was not the same as your wife believed. The trustee has a ...
Question on a will12/27/2006
  Q: My father passed away and left a will. I am his daughter out of wedlock and instead of putting my ...
  A: Well it is not your half brothers authority to determine the validity of your stake. That is up to ...
reference to excutive of will and property and heirs12/27/2006
  Q: maybe i type it wrong or something because. my mom did not divide up the assets my grandfather just ...
  A: I realize you are upset, and you were hoping that I would be on your side and give you the answer ...
reference to excutive of will and property and heirs12/24/2006
  Q: My grandfather died about 13 years ago. He left my mom the executor of his will and property. Every ...
  A: Your Aunt and Uncles have a right to be mad. Executor does not mean manager of the assets, it means ...
Wife share of will12/23/2006
  Q: Most of my "wealth" consists of a lifetime annuity (I am retired). When I die, my wife gets my ...
  A: It is possible for that to happen. This is where perception does not meet reality. You see you ...
Childrens name on house deed12/22/2006
  Q: My sister and I want to know if we should add our names to our father house (on deed?), he is 81 and ...
  A: Putting your names on your fathers house would have no effect, nor putting your names on his bank ...
Irrevocable Trust12/12/2006
  Q: In the beginning the trustee was depositing money in my husbands account with no questions asked, ...
  A: You can ask. . . But, the terms of the irrevocable trust may have a clause that allows the trustee ...
Trust Property Will12/10/2006
  Q: Fritzler My grandmother has recently passed away and she has put her niece as executor ...
  A: You are using the term trust and will interchangeably, but they are not interchangeable. If it is a ...
Can a remainderman encumber a life estate?12/9/2006
  Q: My friend has a life estate. Without permission from the life tenant, the remainderman has taken out ...
  A: If the life estate is sound, meaning that it truly does protect the tenant; then it was an error on ...
Trust12/8/2006
  Q: Property was sold by trust and gain of $150,000 was realized. There are 3 beneficiaries. What are ...
  A: Since we are speaking in the past tense, I can say that you have no choices. The terms of the trust ...
irrevocable trust and divorce12/5/2006
  Q: I am presently in the middle of an ugly divorce with a infant daughter in the middle. My ex to be ...
  A: He may claim that it is irrevocable. That doesn't mean that the courts will uphold that opinion. If ...
Changing trustee of a trust.8/30/2006
  Q: How can I change the trustee of my trust so that I can have someone else be the trustee? What form ...
  A: Well, I assume you are talking about a revocable trust, in which you were the grantor and the ...
deed question8/28/2006
  Q: I would like t know what to do to add a name to the deed on my house/property? Thanks.
  A: The rules on title and deeds are different for each state, my best recommendation is call a ...
i have a freind that wants...5/22/2006
  Q: i have a freind that wants to establish a trust fund to pay his rent how much does this cost ...
  A: All very good questions. I cannot give you definative answers, but these are the questions to ask ...
Trusts and Taxes5/19/2006
  Q: My father died almost a year ago. My aunt is trustee. My father owned property in California and ...
  A: My condolences on your fathers passing. There is nothing an attorney can do for you in regards to ...
self created will5/5/2006
  Q: I live in NJ and I created my own will using some commercial software. I went to a bank for ...
  A: A notary is just a witness that the signer was the person named. A notary simply is registered and ...
ESTATE PLANNING11/19/2005
  Q: I AM WORKING ON MY ESTATE PLANNING. MY PLAN IS TO KEEP MY ESTATE UNDER THE 1 MILLION DOLLAR MARK TO ...
  A: As you have set it up right now, your entire estate will be probated. Yes all of your investments ...
estate protection10/4/2005
  Q: Richard hi my friend and i had a discussion recently about nursing home/long time care, the legal ...
  A: Well, the idea of passing on the estate tot he next generation would only apply after the person has ...
Protecting home from liens9/27/2005
  Q: My mother and I both share title to her condo in Florida. She has been very ill and is no longer ...
  A: Conventionally, in florida the homestead laws are considered a good way to protect he "primary ...
accountability of executor of trusts6/28/2005
  Q: I am the beneficiary of a trust, of which my step-mother is the executor. Am I entitled to an annual ...
  A: Many of the requirements of the trust will be spelled out in the trust itself. I'm guessing it is a ...
trusts6/19/2005
  Q: what is the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust? I was told that if I set up an ...
  A: Sorry, I didn't get the email notice of this question. So I apologize for the delay in this answer. ...
life estate11/21/2004
  Q: I was left some real estate by my mother for life estate then it goes to my three children after my ...
  A: Do you mean, can you borrow against it? no it is not yours to use as collateral. Do you mean can ...
estate maximizer insurance11/10/2004
  Q: My 77 year old mother would like to obtain an estate maximizer insurance policy between $30,000.00 ...
  A: I am not a proponent of Life Insurance. It is normally a bad bet. You are betting that you will die ...
Trust used for asset protection in marriage.10/18/2004
  Q: I am considering getting engaged soon and I have significant assets while my potential fiancee has ...
  A: Trusts can be divided into 2 catagories. Revocable and Irrevocable. Revocable trust provide no asset ...
power of attorney10/11/2004
  Q: What is the definition and specific difference between power of attorney and durable power of ...
  A: What makes a power of attorney durable? A durable power of attorney is effective even though you ...
TITLE RIGHTS9/28/2004
  Q: My parents purchased a home in thier name for me approx 3 years ago as i could not qualify, It was a ...
  A: With nothing in writing, you have a very weak position. If at any time you would have taken the ...
nevada spend thrift trust9/4/2004
  Q: i want to set up a nevada spend thrift trust for asset protection. i was referred to an attorney ...
  A: A trust is merely a declaration, if all you wanted was a trust document, then you can use a photo ...
will8/23/2004
  Q: My grandmother in NY has all of her money (a little over $1,000,000) in CDs and in the federal ...
  A: A will would have no real impact. A will only a list of suggestions to the probate court. Her estate ...
Land Trust To Protect Property From Lien?8/18/2004
  Q: My parents both deceased left a life estate in and to their property to my aunt and I am ...
  A: Let me start with, if you own the property you can indebt the property. That means leins can be ...
Appointing an new executor / lawyer?8/18/2004
  Q: My grandmother's estate is still ongoing. She passed away in a house fire in 1996 in New york State. ...
  A: These are all matters that are commonly handled by the probate court. A new executor or attorney ...
Estate tax good or bad?8/18/2004
  Q: One more Q: I see above where you ask if the elimination of the estate tax good for everyone. I'd ...
  A: One thing the estate tax process did was to "step up basis to fair market value" for assets such as ...
Insider's options w/ stock8/18/2004
  Q: I appreciate your volunteerism! I'm trying to find an idea for my boss, re: potential clients that ...
  A: Most people who are selling out of there stock position don't real care about the well being of the ...
trust8/4/2004
  Q: My Father passed away in 1997 and set up a revocable trust with an acquaintance of my Mother. The ...
  A: We recommend that you have a living trust. If you would like me to list the reasons, let me know. ...
Intro Vivo Revocable Trust8/4/2004
  Q: What is the difference in an Irrevocable Trust and Revocable Trust? (pertaining to having your home ...
  A: All Trust must have three "players". The Grantor. Whoever puts the asset in trust. The Trustee. ...
Trust and realestate7/8/2004
  Q: Any comments on a trust buying a property? I want to do this but have not formed the trust yet and ...
  A: The term trust is applied to a diverse list of entities. Trusts are marketed as a solution for a ...
Child custody after divorce5/25/2004
  Q: My husband and I are divorcing and I will have custody of the children. In the event of my death, ...
  A: If you die first, and you agree to have them go to their father, then your will becomes finalized, ...
power of attorney5/19/2004
  Q: Is power of attorney necessary for the husband and wife?
  A: Each is independent, and must chose to represent themselves in transactions. For example, just ...
life insurance policy5/18/2004
  Q: I am the trustee of my father's living trust. I have 4 brothers and one sister. My father has a ...
  A: Life insurance policies are a common way to move some value outside of the estate process. Often it ...
My deceased father's will5/14/2004
  Q: City, State of residence and of will inCarnesville, GA My father died in 1987. The will was never ...
  A: Prior to the actual execution of the will (going through probate) the will is not normally "on file" ...
Elimination of Family Trust5/7/2004
  Q: About 10 years ago I set up a family trust. Over the years some of my assets were put in the trust ...
  A: Trusts and wills are different. They are not mutually exclusive. In its simplest terms: the will is ...
Revocable trust change4/22/2004
  Q: I have a funded Revocable Living Trust established in '96. One son is to receive 55% the other 45% ...
  A: Absolutely, the trust is dynamic, one of the benefits of the trust is that it is easily changeable. ...
quit claim to selves4/22/2004
  Q: We would like to change our deed from married couple to husband and wife as community right of ...
  A: Although your estate is less than 1.5m, and estate taxes would not be levied on your assets, there ...
Trust, will and/or estate4/20/2004
  Q: My father died last year in September, he lived in Nevada. He was married for 23 years to a woman ...
  A: IF your father actually executed a will, and named an executor, the executor would contact you. If ...
Not sure if you can answer this or not........4/19/2004
  Q: I am curious on two things. 1. If my husband were to die before me and there was not a will (or ...
  A: Whether you die with or without a will, your estate is handled through the probate court. The court ...
Controlling Assets4/17/2004
  Q: Fritzler, My 2 brothers and I jointly own our birthplace home; it has been vacant for many years, ...
  A: Assuming that the sale of the house would generate enough money to completely pay for the condo, and ...
Trust3/25/2004
  Q: Do I have any rights to a house that is in a trust that I am the trustee to. I have been living in ...
  A: Being trustee gives you no rights to the assets, that is for the beneficiaries. Trustee is simply ...
NEED information3/22/2004
  Q: We are residents of New Jersey, and my husband is under investigation for a missing persons case, ...
  A: For your first question, I have to go with "I can't give legal advise", AND having a GOOD attorney ...
Last Wil and Testiment3/20/2004
  Q: In the state of Maryland must a will be notarized? Mine only has our signature and two witnesses. ...
  A: I don't know if the state requires a notary. It is unlikely that a Notary is required since you have ...
estate maximizer1/30/2004
  Q: My 86 year old grandmother is going to leave me her money in her CDs and federal reserve which is ...
  A: Estate Maximizer is not a generally accepted term. It sounds like either a marketing ploy, or a ...
Estate Law1/27/2004
  Q: My mather passed and I am in the process of getting her house fixed up to sale. The house is in ...
  A: Failure to pay the mortgage payment can result in a forclosure, and you losing the house entirely. ...
Trusts1/26/2004
  Q: Fritzler, I hope you can help me with this question. I understand that with the use of a trust, a ...
  A: Small correction: the Transfer of the property would be part of the public record, the estate ...
nursing home bills7/14/2003
  Q: my mother-in-law passed away a week ago. my husband and i were in the process of applying for ...
  A: You personally are not responsible for her bills, however her estate would have to pay those bills ...
revocable trust7/5/2003
  Q: My wife(78) and I(80) have assets of approx 3.5 mil. Two major items are (a) my IRA of 800,000, and ...
  A: Living trust can do 4 things: 1. Avoid probate, that is worth doing, any assets that are in a ...
Locating Trust Deed Beneficiary7/3/2003
  Q: Mr. Fritzler: Can you please tell me where, in public records, I will find who the beneficiary of ...
  A: Actually, each municipality handles the recording of property events differently. However, I do not ...
Marriage & credit problems of one party.7/1/2003
  Q: I am getting married in August. I am buying a house at the same time on my name only. My fiancee ...
  A: You do take on her credit problems, any collections that are outstanding can be withdrawn from any ...
Trust and perserving the family home6/28/2003
  Q: My mother passed away June 16th. of this year. She had put her home and all her belongings in a ...
  A: First let me describe the other side: The federal and State gov'ts offers assistance for those that ...
Estate Law s/p death of a parent6/28/2003
  Q: My husband's father passed away three years ago, and he owned a house for which the deed was ...
  A: Debt cannot be passed on to the next generation. You are not obligated to take on a deceased persons ...
Estate Planning for a large IRA Account5/15/2003
  Q: Briefly, Heres a run down of my situation. We are a family of four in New york, My dad, mom, sister ...
  A: You are right that the commission is substancial when selling these types of policies. The insurance ...
Inheriting property with a mortgage5/9/2003
  Q: My mother owns a small farm that she plans to leave to me when she passes on. But the property is ...
  A: Your mother could add your name now, giving you a partial interest. This does not completely ensure ...
Term Life Insurance Ownership5/7/2003
  Q: Richard, My wife and I are in our 40's and 50's. We have created A/B trusts and transferred our ...
  A: There is no estate tax between spouses. All value can be passed from husband to wife or vice versa ...

All Questions in This Category

Email this page
     
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2006 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.