Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Statute of Limitations for Contesting a Will in New York

The statute of limitations for contesting a will in New York generally depends on the grounds for contesting and when the will was admitted to probate: Standard Deadline: Typically, a will contest must be filed within two years from the date the will is admitted to probate in Surrogate’s Court. So...

Wills, Trusts, and Estates, Tax Law

Life Insurance Policies and Estate Distribution

Life insurance policies play a significant role in estate planning and the distribution of assets after death. The way life insurance proceeds are distributed depends largely on how the policy is structured and who is named as beneficiary. How Life Insurance Proceeds Are Distributed Direct to Benef...

Family Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Impact of Remarriage on Estate Planning and Inheritance

Remarriage can significantly affect estate planning and inheritance, impacting both the distribution of assets and the rights of beneficiaries. Here are some key considerations: 1. Estate Plan Updates Remarriage often necessitates updating an existing estate plan to ensure it reflects the new famil...

Family Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Legal Claims Against a Deceased Parent's Estate

Making a claim against a deceased parent's estate involves understanding the legal grounds and procedures applicable in your jurisdiction. Here's a general overview of how such claims can be initiated: Eligibility to Claim Relationship: Claims can typically be made by children, including adult chi...

Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Disinheritance of Children in New York Estates

In New York, parents have the legal right to disinherit their children. This means a parent can exclude a child from inheriting any part of their estate by either expressly stating the disinheritance in a valid will or by simply not making any provision for the child in their estate plan. Key points...

Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Elective Share Rights in New York Estates

In New York, the Elective Share is a legal right that protects a surviving spouse from being completely disinherited by allowing them to claim a statutory portion of the decedent’s estate, regardless of the will’s provisions. This right is governed by New York’s Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL)...

Wills, Trusts, and Estates

New York Intestacy Laws and Estate Distribution

New York's intestacy laws, outlined in the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL), govern how a decedent's estate is distributed when there is no valid will. The distribution is based on the decedent's marital status and the presence of children or other relatives. Distribution Rules Spouse and No...

Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Contesting a Parent's Will in New York

Contesting a parent's will in New York involves several key considerations and legal grounds. Here's a summary of the process and requirements: Legal Grounds for Contesting a Will To contest a will in New York, you must have valid legal grounds. These include: Lack of Testamentary Capacity: The de...

Property Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

What Happens to a Deceased Person's Share of Property if They Die Intestate in NC?

If a person dies intestate (without a will) in North Carolina, their share of property is distributed according to the state's intestate succession laws, which specify how the deceased's assets are divided among surviving relatives. Key points about what happens to a deceased person's share of prope...

Property Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

The Impact of a Parent's Death on Property Ownership Among Siblings and Step-Parents

The impact of a parent's death on property ownership among siblings and step-parents depends largely on whether there is a valid will and the applicable inheritance laws. 1. Role of a Will: If the deceased parent left a valid will, it typically governs how the estate, including property, is divided...

Property Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

North Carolina Intestate Succession Laws and How They Affect Property Ownership

North Carolina intestate succession laws govern how a deceased person's property is distributed when they die without a valid will. These laws affect both personal property (e.g., furniture, cash, jewelry) and real estate (e.g., houses, land) and prioritize distribution among surviving family member...

Property Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Understanding the Rights of Heirs When a Property Title Remains in an Estate for Years

When a property title remains in an estate for years, typically because the deceased owner did not leave a legally binding will, the property is considered heirs' property. This means the property is informally owned by multiple heirs who hold fractional interests, but the official title remains in...

Property Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Legal Steps to Establish Ownership of Property Held in a Deceased Person's Estate

To establish legal ownership of property held in a deceased person's estate, the following key steps are generally involved: Determine How the Property Was Owned If the property was owned jointly as joint tenants (e.g., with a spouse), ownership typically passes automatically to the surviving joi...

Property Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Can a Step-Parent Charge Rent on Property Owned by a Deceased Family Member's Estate?

A step-parent generally cannot charge rent on property owned by a deceased family member's estate unless they have legal ownership or authority over the property. The right to collect rent depends primarily on who holds legal title to the property and the terms of any will, trust, or probate arrange...

Property Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

The Role of Probate in Transferring Real Estate Ownership After Death in NC

Probate plays a crucial role in the legal process of transferring real estate ownership after a person's death in North Carolina. Here's an overview of how it works: What is Probate? Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person's estate is settled. This includes the distribution of asset...

Family Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Who Inherits Property When a Parent Dies Without a Will in North Carolina?

When a parent dies without a will in North Carolina, their property is distributed according to the state's intestate succession laws, which prioritize the closest surviving relatives in a specific order. Key inheritance rules under North Carolina intestate succession include: If the deceased has...

Family Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Rights of Step-Parents in Inheritance and Property Ownership under NC Law

Under North Carolina law, step-parents do not have automatic inheritance or property ownership rights with respect to their stepchildren or the stepchildren's biological parents unless certain legal steps are taken, primarily adoption. Key Points on Step-Parents' Rights in Inheritance and Property O...

Property Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Legal Process for Transferring Real Estate from a Deceased Person's Estate in NC

The legal process for transferring real estate from a deceased person's estate in North Carolina primarily involves probate, as North Carolina does not recognize Transfer on Death (TOD) deeds for real estate. This means real estate generally must go through the probate process unless it is held in a...

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