Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

My grandfather left me his home, he died in 1989. He left life use to his girlfriend Joan as well, is their a way I can occupy the home while she is still alive and living in the home?


Asked on 3/23/10, 2:08 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Arnold Nager Arnold H. Nager, Esquire

No, unless she consents.

My comments are based on treating your question as a hypothetical. Accordingly, my comments could be substantially and materially different were I advised of all of the relevant facts and circumstances. My comments are by necessity general in nature, and should not be relied upon in taking or forgoing action in your circumstances without retaining an attorney. In order to fully explore your legal matter, you should meet with me or another attorney and bring to any such meeting all relevant documents and correspondence, and any other relevant facts.

I am not hired to be your attorney, and no attorney-client relationship exists between us, unless and until you enter into a written retainer agreement with me, tender the agreed amount for a retainer and it is accepted by me. I reserve the right to decline representation should circumstances change.

As you are aware, in New York there are various deadlines for filing a complaint, filing an answer to a complaint, or taking other action in order to preserve your legal rights, and avoid a complete loss of those rights. You should retain counsel immediately in order to be fully advised of your rights, and to be fully informed of the applicable time period within which those rights must be asserted. If you were to delay in doing so, it might result in your potential cause of action being forever barred.

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Answered on 3/28/10, 6:12 pm
Paula McGill Paula McGill Attorney at Law

The prior answer is correct. You have a remainder interest in the estate. In other words, you don't have the right to possession to the property until she dies or unless she agrees to give possession to you.

Licensed in New York and practicing on Long Island.

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Answered on 3/28/10, 6:22 pm


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