Can I leave my estate to my friend?
If it’s your house free and clear, you can leave it to anyone or anything you desire. People have left property to friends, organizations, animals and even total strangers. Just make sure you have a good estate attorney write it for you so as to avoid any issues with relatives.
Can a family member steal money from an inheritance?
You might assume that your will or estate plan ensures that your money will go to your intended heirs. But inheritance theft is an insidious and underreported problem that can cost families dearly. And since inheritance thieves are usually family members, the fallout often is not only about money, but also family ties.
Can a person embezzle money from an inheritance?
Since this person will be managing your assets until they are distributed to your heirs, you must choose someone whom you trust to follow your wishes. An untrustworthy executor is in a position where they could embezzle funds after your death. Most people name their spouse, a close friend, or family member as their executor.
Who is entitled to inherit from my mother’s estate?
Distant relatives may inherit property, but only when close relatives don’t exist. If your mother was single, then you and your siblings as well as any surviving parents (if only one parent died), will receive your mother’s assets.
What happens to my mother’s estate when she dies?
If your mother had a spouse at the time of her death, then the distribution of her estate depends upon the ownership and titling of her assets. Generally, the majority of her assets would pass to her surviving spouse. Children or grandchildren may inherit a smaller share.
You might assume that your will or estate plan ensures that your money will go to your intended heirs. But inheritance theft is an insidious and underreported problem that can cost families dearly. And since inheritance thieves are usually family members, the fallout often is not only about money, but also family ties.
How much should I pay my brother to manage my mother’s estate?
Your brother has managed your mother’s estate for two years and — given the time and stress involved in managing a person’s estate — particularly when family is involved, $20,000 is probably not unreasonable. It’s a thankless job, except for the remuneration.
Who is the executor of my mother’s estate?
The estate included her home. It was paid in full, but a mortgage was opened a few months before she died to pay for home health care expenses, farm property, a time share and personal belongings There are four children and one was designated the estate executor. The bulk of the estate has been settled to everyone’s relief.
Since this person will be managing your assets until they are distributed to your heirs, you must choose someone whom you trust to follow your wishes. An untrustworthy executor is in a position where they could embezzle funds after your death. Most people name their spouse, a close friend, or family member as their executor.
