Questions and answers about Succession Law
A distant relative has passed away and I am not sure whether they left a will or who might have a copy. I would like to know if I am mentioned as a beneficiary. How would I go about finding this out? I have tried asking around but nobody seems to give me a clear answer.
My mother told us before she died that she wanted to be cremated and have her ashes scattered at a particular place, but some family members disagree and want a burial instead. Are her wishes legally binding on us?
My mother passed away with some credit card debt and a small personal loan outstanding, and I am worried that as her child I might have to pay these debts personally. What is the legal position on inherited debt?
I want to update my will to add a grandchild as a beneficiary and change an executor. Can I just write the changes on the existing will, or do I need to start again with a lawyer’s help? I want to make sure I am not missing anything important before I decide what to do.
My grandfather wrote a short note before he passed away, expressing how he wanted his belongings divided, but it was not witnessed and looks informal. Can this be treated as a valid will? I would like to know what steps I should take next to protect myself.
What happens if there are not enough assets to cover a specific gift in a will? 1 answer
1 answerMy uncle’s will left a specific amount of money to several nieces and nephews, plus a house to one sibling, but after debts and expenses were paid there does not seem to be enough left to pay all the cash gifts in full. How is this resolved?
I have agreed to be the executor for a friend’s estate. I want to do a good job, but I am worried about getting something wrong and being personally liable. What exactly is expected of me? Nobody has given me a straight answer and I want to understand where I actually stand.
My parents set up a family trust years ago and transferred the family home into it. Now that they have both passed away, I am unsure whether the house forms part of their estate or belongs to someone else. How does a trust affect inheritance?
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