Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

my dad passed and his house is tenants in common. he has left everything to me and my sister. his present wife is left a life estate. i want to file to remove my dads name and add me and my sister. What form do i file? Where does it get filed in nj? Do I need a lawyer ?


Asked on 9/24/11, 6:37 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Your father's estate has to be administered in the state and county where he resided. Only after all estate debts are paid may his remaining assets be distributed to his heirs.

If the house was owned by your father and another person as tenants in common, only his share of the house passes to his heirs. If the co-owner was his present wife, she still owns her interest in the house. If your father had a will and it provided a life estate to her, a deed from the personal representative of his estate would have to be properly worded so that it is clear that whoever gets his share of the property is subject to her life estate with respect to his interest.

Did he have a will leaving "everything" to you and your sister, or did he tell you this?

Consult an estates lawyer in the state and county where he resided to help you administer the estate.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

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Answered on 9/24/11, 9:17 pm
Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

You need a lawyer. Let me know where the house is, and I can tell you whether I can help you.

Robert Davies, Esq.

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Answered on 9/25/11, 8:14 am


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