Estate, Probate & Elder Law
Browse published legal information questions related to Estate, Probate & Elder Law.
Can You Sue and Win Over a Parent’s Last-Minute Will Change?
A last-minute change to a parent’s will can sometimes be challenged in Oregon, but only if there is a recognized legal reason to do so. In general, a court does not overturn a will just because family members think the c...
What happens if my ex refuses to report child support payments I made directly by Venmo?
In New Hampshire, the answer usually depends on what your support order says and whether the Venmo payments were actually meant to count as child support. If the court order requires payments through a state disbursement...
What happens if my spouse dies before the divorce is finalized in Alaska?
If a spouse dies before a divorce is finalized in Alaska, the divorce case usually ends because there is no longer a marriage to dissolve. In many situations, the surviving spouse may still have legal rights that come fr...
How do I dispute an unclaimed property claim that someone else already filed under my name?
If someone else already filed an unclaimed property claim under your name, that can raise identity, ownership, or authorization concerns. In general, you may need to contact the state unclaimed property office, explain t...
What are my rights if my spouse hid cryptocurrency before we signed the prenup?
In Washington, a prenuptial agreement may be challenged or limited if one spouse hid important financial information before the agreement was signed. If cryptocurrency existed before the prenup and was not disclosed, tha...
Is it legal for alimony to continue after my ex starts receiving Social Security retirement?
In Nevada, it is generally possible for spousal support, often called alimony, to continue even after an ex starts receiving Social Security retirement benefits. The fact that a former spouse begins collecting retirement...
Does My Aunt’s Husband Automatically Inherit Her Share of Michigan Property?
In Michigan, an aunt’s husband does not automatically inherit her share of property in every situation. Whether he receives anything usually depends on how the property was titled, whether there was a will or trust, and...
Do I have to split my retirement account if most of it was earned before marriage?
In Oregon, the answer is often: not necessarily, but maybe in part. Retirement accounts are commonly divided in divorce based on what portion was accumulated during the marriage versus what portion was accumulated before...
How do I update a prenuptial agreement after we buy a house together?
In North Carolina, couples often update a prenuptial agreement after buying a house together by signing a written amendment or a new agreement that clearly addresses the home and any related debts, payments, and ownershi...
How do I stop my bank account from being considered dormant while I am living overseas?
If you live overseas, the main way to reduce the risk that a Massachusetts bank account is treated as dormant is usually to keep the account active in the ways your bank allows and to monitor all account notices closely....
Can I Dispute a Vet Bill After My Pet Died During Treatment?
In general, you may be able to dispute a veterinary bill after a pet dies during treatment, but the strength of any dispute usually depends on what happened, what was promised, what records show, and what the bill includ...
Can unpaid child support affect my passport renewal?
Yes, unpaid child support can sometimes affect passport renewal, but usually only in certain situations and often through federal enforcement rules rather than the passport process itself. In general, child support agenc...
How do I protect an inheritance I expect to receive after marriage?
In Massachusetts, people often ask how to keep an expected inheritance separate after they get married. In general, an inheritance may be treated differently from marital property, but the outcome can depend on how the m...
What happens if the prenup says my spouse keeps the house but I paid for renovations?
In Connecticut, the answer usually depends on what the prenup actually says, how the renovation money was treated, and whether the agreement clearly addresses improvements to the home. If the prenup says one spouse keeps...
How do I claim an old utility deposit that shows up as unclaimed property?
In North Carolina, an old utility deposit that appears on an unclaimed property list usually means the utility company reported money it could not return to you after your account ended. In general, the state holds that...