Estates

Michael English is related to the Goodmans through his marriage to a member of the Goodman family. He was married to former singer and member of the Goodman family, which created a familial tie. Additionally, both Michael English and the Goodmans are prominent figures in the Southern Gospel music scene, further intertwining their paths professionally and personally.

As the executor, you have a fiduciary duty to manage the deceased person's estate responsibly, which includes paying off debts and distributing assets according to the will or state law. However, you are not personally financially responsible for the deceased’s debts; the estate itself is responsible. If the estate does not have enough assets to cover these debts, creditors typically cannot pursue you for payment. It’s essential to act in the best interest of the estate and keep accurate records throughout the process.

In Maryland, the executor fee is typically set at a statutory rate of 1.5% of the value of the estate's assets that are subject to probate. This fee can be adjusted based on the complexity of the estate and the services provided by the executor. Additionally, the executor may also be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred while administering the estate. It’s important for executors to keep detailed records of their time and expenses for proper compensation.

As a surviving spouse, you are generally entitled to a variety of benefits, which may include the right to inherit a portion or all of your deceased spouse's estate, depending on state laws and whether a will exists. You may also receive Social Security survivor benefits, access to health insurance benefits, and potential pension benefits if your spouse had a retirement plan. Additionally, surviving spouses often retain rights to jointly owned property and may have priority in settling debts and claims against the estate. It's advisable to consult with a legal expert to understand your specific rights and entitlements based on your circumstances.

Yes, an heir can be bought out of property through a mutual agreement among the heirs. This typically involves one heir paying the others a negotiated amount of money in exchange for their share of the property, allowing the buying heir to take full ownership. It's important to document the agreement properly and, if necessary, involve legal counsel to ensure that all parties are protected and the transaction is legally binding.

The phrase suggests that one should remain calm and have faith during challenging times, as circumstances can eventually shift in their favor. "Trust to the tide" implies that just as tides ebb and flow, life’s challenges may also change, leading to positive outcomes. Patience is essential, as it allows one to endure the current situation while waiting for better opportunities to arise. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of resilience and belief in the natural progression of events.

To change a trustee of a trust, you typically need to follow the procedures outlined in the trust document itself, which may specify how a trustee can be removed or replaced. If the trust document allows for it, the current trustee can resign, or the grantor can appoint a new trustee through a formal amendment or restatement of the trust. If the trust is irrevocable and does not provide a mechanism for change, you may need to seek court approval to remove or replace the trustee. It's advisable to consult with a legal professional to ensure compliance with applicable laws and the trust's terms.

The KIN ONEm, a smartphone designed for seniors, faces several challenges. One major issue is its limited app ecosystem, which can restrict functionality compared to mainstream smartphones. Additionally, the user interface, while simplified, may still be confusing for some seniors who are not tech-savvy. Battery life and durability are also concerns, as older users may require devices that can withstand daily wear and tear.

If your roommate dies and the lease is in their name, you should first check the lease agreement for any clauses regarding subletting or transferring the lease. You can contact the landlord to explain the situation and see if they can assist you in retrieving your property or transferring the lease to your name. Additionally, you may want to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options for accessing your belongings. If necessary, you could also consider seeking a court order to retrieve your property.

Upon a person's death, access to their house typically depends on local laws and the circumstances surrounding the estate. Immediate family members, designated heirs, or an appointed executor of the estate usually have the right to enter. In some cases, law enforcement or emergency personnel may also enter if there's a need to secure the premises. It's important to consult legal professionals for guidance specific to the situation and jurisdiction.

In property settlements, parties involved in a divorce or separation divide their assets and liabilities. This process typically involves identifying all marital property, valuing it, and negotiating how it will be distributed equitably. Factors such as the length of the relationship, contributions of each party, and future needs are considered. The settlement can result in a formal agreement or, if disputes arise, may require court intervention.

Next of kin typically have the right to make medical decisions on behalf of a loved one if they are unable to do so themselves, depending on state laws and whether any legal documents, like advance directives, are in place. They may also have rights related to funeral arrangements and the disposition of the deceased's remains. Additionally, next of kin can be entitled to inherit from the deceased's estate if there is no will. However, specific rights can vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.

In 1789, members of each estate in France were discontented due to growing economic hardship and social inequality. The Third Estate, comprising commoners, faced heavy taxes and had little political power, feeling burdened by the privileges of the clergy (First Estate) and nobility (Second Estate) who were largely exempt from taxation. The rising cost of living and food shortages fueled resentment, while the Estates-General's inability to address their grievances further deepened frustration, leading to calls for reform and ultimately the French Revolution.

In New York, after a will is probated, the executor is responsible for managing the estate's assets and paying any debts or taxes owed. Once these obligations are satisfied, the executor prepares an accounting and distributes the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as outlined in the will. Beneficiaries typically receive their shares through direct distribution or by transfer of assets, as specified in the will. It’s important for the executor to ensure compliance with any legal requirements and to provide beneficiaries with necessary documentation confirming their share.

Yes, an irrevocable trust can have an LLC as a partner. In such arrangements, the trust can hold an ownership interest in the LLC, allowing for the management of assets within the trust structure. This can provide various benefits, such as liability protection and potential tax advantages, depending on the specific circumstances and state laws. It is advisable to consult with legal and financial professionals to ensure compliance and optimize the structure.

Yes, surviving children can benefit in several ways after a loss. They may receive emotional support through counseling and community resources, helping them cope with grief. Additionally, financial benefits such as life insurance payouts or survivor benefits may provide stability and support for their future needs. Lastly, they often gain a stronger bond with remaining family members as they navigate their shared experience of loss.

In New York, trustee fees for a revocable trust are typically calculated based on a percentage of the trust's assets, often ranging from 0.5% to 1% annually. Some trustees may charge hourly rates for their services, while others might use a flat fee. The specific fee structure can depend on the complexity of the trust and the services provided. It's advisable to consult the trust document and potentially seek legal guidance for precise calculations and compliance with state laws.

A trustee in succession refers to an individual or entity appointed to manage and administer a trust after the original trustee's passing, incapacity, or resignation. Their role involves overseeing the trust's assets, ensuring they are managed according to the trust's terms, and distributing benefits to the beneficiaries. This position is crucial for maintaining the continuity of trust management and safeguarding the interests of the beneficiaries.

An intestate heir is an individual who inherits assets from a deceased person who died without a valid will. In such cases, state laws determine the distribution of the deceased's estate, typically prioritizing close relatives such as spouses, children, and parents. Intestate heirs may receive property, money, or other assets based on these legal guidelines.

A living trust can override a bank savings account's beneficiary designation if the assets are transferred into the trust. Once the funds are in the trust, they are managed according to the terms of the trust document. However, if the bank account remains outside the trust and has a designated beneficiary, that designation will generally take precedence over the trust upon the account holder's death. It's important to coordinate the trust and beneficiary designations to ensure that the intended distribution of assets is achieved.

Yes, "kin" is a word. It refers to one's family or relatives, encompassing both immediate and extended family members. The term is often used to denote a sense of familial connection or relationship.

In general, the will of a deceased relative can be read by any interested party, typically after the will has been filed for probate. The timing varies by jurisdiction, but it usually occurs shortly after the death, once the executor has been appointed and the necessary legal processes have begun. Interested parties often include beneficiaries named in the will, heirs, or others who may have a legal claim to the estate. To access the will, one may need to request it from the probate court or the executor handling the estate.

If the deceased left a valid will, you typically do not need a letter of administration; instead, you would need to obtain probate. Probate is the legal process that validates the will and allows the executor to manage the deceased's estate according to the terms of the will. However, if there is no named executor or if the named executor is unable or unwilling to serve, you may then need to apply for letters of administration with the will annexed.

The next of kin may be responsible for settling the deceased's unpaid bills and debts, depending on the laws of the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances. Typically, they must ensure that the deceased's estate is properly managed, which includes paying off debts from the estate's assets before distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. However, next of kin are not personally liable for the deceased's debts unless they were co-signers or joint account holders. It's advisable for them to consult with an estate attorney to understand their obligations and rights.

Yes, the disbursement of a deceased parent's belongings can be changed, but it typically requires legal processes. This may involve updating the will, if one exists, or addressing the estate distribution through probate court. If there are disputes among heirs or beneficiaries, mediation or legal intervention may be necessary to resolve those issues. It's advisable to consult with an attorney specializing in estate law for guidance.