Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

estate debts

After my father died,1 sister(Pat)&1 brother(Jake) received POAs for my mom. Jake wrote 1 check, but Pat wrote many. Some of them were written to another brother, another sister and herself. Some were signed by Mom and some Pat signed Mom's name. Pat says these are gifts & can't be deducted from their inheritance. Pat wrote 'advance' on checks to another sister and that will be deducted. Jake & I received no 'gifts'. Pat hid 65 checks from us and the lawyer but Jake got copies from the bank . Are these gifts or checks? They have yet to be reviewed because we can't afford forensic accounting. There is atleast $100,000 unaccounted for.


Asked on 1/18/07, 3:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Corbett Corbett Law Firm LLC

Re: estate debts

If there is $100k at stake, you should be prepared to pay something to investigate and pursue any claims that you may have. If not, the other side might just take what it can.

There can be a lot of complexity in the kind of situation that you describe. First and foremost it is necessary for me to know whether there is a will, whether a personal representative has been appointed, and who that might be. Only then could I begin to advise you on your options.

If you would like to discuss the matter further, please call me or email giving me information on how to contact you.

See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm

Read more
Answered on 1/18/07, 3:35 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in New Jersey