Your opinion on how to divide estate in will
mom23step23
15 years ago
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kkny
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
How to probate an estate?
Comments (17)Well it's been a while, but I thought I'd give an update if anyone's interested... This afternoon my brother and I go to the lawyer to sign the petition for judgement of possession, the descriptive list, and the waiver of the final accounting. I went over to my brother's last night and showed him exactly everything I've paid for over the last few weeks (final funeral expenses, my grandma's last household and credit card bills, etc.) I gave him a detailed spreadsheet that listed every penny, and showed the balances in all accounts after expenses are paid and what his share should be based on the percentages stipulated in the will. He was OK with everything, but I wanted to be sure he knew that everything has been above board and on the level. I also wanted him to see exactly what his share would be so he wouldn't be surprised at the lawyer's office by anything. So.....after we sign everything today, the lawyer should immediately file all documents with the court and all we have to wait for is the judge to sign off. Everything has been done by the book and there are only a few accounts and my grandmother had all of her records very organized. Everything should be pretty straightforward and easy for the judge to follow, so there shouldn't be any problems. The lawyer told me the judge usually signs off in about a week, so hopefully by the end of next week at the latest, this will all be finished. I am just very glad there have been relatively few problems and arguments. Although my brother was angry at first since my grandmother left a larger share to me, he's calmed downed and I guess he's realized she left him and his daughter sizable gifts. He isn't going to want to delay the process so that he can get ownership of his share. And he can't blame me, since it was my grandmother's decision of what she wanted to leave to whom--not mine. This has been a lot of work! None of it was really difficult, but I found that keeping separate folders (1 for info on all the assets, such as bank statements, car title, investment account statement, deed to house; and 1 for all bills paid after death) have really helped me to keep things in order. I have a little tote bag that I keep all of the documents in, including death certs, official administration letters, copy of the will, etc., that I bring with me to work every day. That has been a huge help as if I've had to talk with someone on the phone or go meet with someone, I've had all the info right at my fingertips. This has mostly been about keeping good records and getting tons of things signed and mailed to various people. I can't imagine how much work it is for big complex estates or when the deceased didn't keep good records! Keeping fingers crossed everything is smooth sailing!...See MoreTrue Divided Opinions about True Divided Light
Comments (7)Is cost a factor? If it is, I would get three quotes: 1) a quote from your SDL manufacturer on the SDLs. (This sill likely be the least expensive, the most conveniente, and the most objectionable to restoration purists). 2) get a quote to remove, repair and reinstall the existing sashes (this will likely be the most or next-to-most expensive, the least convenient, and applauded by restoration purists). 3) get a quote from a millwork co., or whomever else may manufacture TDL windows. (this will likely be the most or second most expensive, a little less convenient (lead time) and middle-of-the-road objectionable by restoration purists). It's a sliding scale. Purity on one side, cost and efficiencey on the other. Oh, and I don't buy the quality of the light argument. My guess is that your architect is on the side of the scale of the restoration purists. This is his way of trying to provide you with an actual reason other than "because the TDL is the right thing to do." Good luck!...See MoreDemo in Progress, Opinions on Dividing Wall (pic heavy)
Comments (12)Let me see if I can answer all the questions -- this is a bit long: * The home is 1930s "semi" Colonial with small touches of art deco style in the original hardware, cabinetry and mouldings * The family room is an addition. It is on a step down level (like the original formal dining room in front). We are making changes to blend it better with the rest of the house, including entertainment center cabinetry that better matches the kitchen. * The two normal doors into the new enlarged kitchen are pretty much standard width and are cased in the original trim. If the opening was enlarged, the thought was it could be left uncased and arched, which would match the uncased original arc that leads to the formal family room. We could also custom mill some matching trim. The potential removed wall would still require a beam that hung down about 7 inches. Due to the nature of the add-ons over the years, I'm don't think hiding it into the ceiling is possible in this situation. * We are matching the original flooring throughout the new expanded kitchen and the rear foyer area, to match the original hallway and dining room. It is a random plank, quarter sawn oak with bevels between the planks. However, the family room will be in a different flooring. * The original rear foyer area has an original built-in closet used as a broom closet and two built cabinets in the side, with matching original inset recessed panel doors. The corner pantry was added in later and the doors do not match. The new kitchen cabinets will be inset, white, recessed panel but a slightly different style. These are painted currently in a taupe shade that matches the trim in the rest of the house. * Heading into this rear foyer area is a cased opening that is identical to the kitchen entry to the left of the main entry. We are taking off the door to the entry by the main entry, as it seems like it will just get in the way. * Standing or sitting by the corner windows in the lower left, you should be able to see directly through the two openings directly into part of the family room. At one point, we thought about raising the roof and floor of this room and taking out the wall completely, but the cost was way too high. * I think the bath is far enough away from the main working area of the kitchen and down a little niche, so there are no hangups with it sitting off of the "virtual room". Thanks everyone for your feedback. This post was edited by gooster on Wed, Mar 20, 13 at 11:56...See MoreListing photos- your opinions and thoughts
Comments (57)Feathers, I see listing photos on most houses that have sold in the last 10-15 years. The default condition seems to be to leave them up. BLF, there may be local rules, but AFAIK realtor.com allows 100. (yikes) Jojoco, Oh my, that's a lot of photos! Not my cup of tea at all. Poor DH, I told him that I realized, from looking at so many listings, I only like older homes. So my search is for 75+years, which in New England means a lot of homes from the 1700s! He did get me to look at one new construction but I'm afraid almost everything in between falls flat for me. Allison, no not FSBO. We have not chosen an agent ... way too soon. My question was really prompted by all of the listings I've been looking at to buy our next house. Redfin sends me emails like 3 times a day with listings and I look at them all, even though their filter stinks and they send me a ton of stuff that is not of interest. (but I still look!) I see a strong no on "artsy shots" but I myself like them. I think one reason I like them is that I get tired of all the photos being middle-distance. I definitely want to include some close ups but I will try to make sure they are of the house itself and not a vase of flowers per se. The "artsy" photo with the tulips is from a home we considered. I looked again at their listing, which I think is pretty well done, save for not having any summer photos of the outside. I could do away with the tulips, but these two close ups I think are somewhat arty but not as frivolous. Bunny, I agree that a surprising number of expensive homes need new kitchens. Not to offend anyone, but I think those are older sellers who are not going to spend what a new kitchen costs (in our market, at least 100k and usually a multiple of that) when the old one functions. Personally i'd much rather see an outdated kitchen than a brand new one not to my liking (which is the case with most of them!)...See Morekkny
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