Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Ohio

2 years before my father past away,He took aloan out on his house to help my sister save her house. Nothing in writing on the agreement that was made between my father and my sister. My brother and his wife were the care givers for my father at the time. They also helped him with his fianacial affairs, and they and the lawyer for my sister are witnesses to this transaction. My sister did not kepp up with the payments that my father counted on. The house was lost. My brother and I feel that she owes my brother and I for the money she lost. There is another house in the will that names her a third receipent. We feel she should take her part and pay my brother and I what she owes us. Are we right? And if so do we need a lawyer?

Sincerly

John Brown


Asked on 9/04/10, 9:06 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Elizabeth Schmitz Elizabeth S. Schmitz Attorney at Law

The executor of the estate can and probably has a duty to try to collect on this claim. He or she may have a hard time proving that your sister owed the money since there was no written agreement. Your witnesses could help. I would like at any checks that your father wrote your sister and see if he made any notations on the checks as to whether they were loans or gifts.

The executor would not have the ability to change who receives the house.

I would suggest that you consult with an attorney.

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Answered on 9/10/10, 3:09 am
Christine Socrates Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis

It is essential to establish a connection between the loan and the payments your sister made to your father. There must be documentation, such as cancelled checks, that your father made one or more payments to your sister. Your brother and his wife may verify this loan since they were caretakers at that time or possibly other witnesses can do so. Also, if there is an established pattern of your sister making payments to your father, it will support the existence of the loan. The executor and the attorney for the state needs to take action to collect on this loan. The remaining balance owed can also be taken out of your sister share of the estate if she cannot pay it back on her own. If you need further assistance, please contact my office.

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Answered on 9/12/10, 2:42 pm


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