My brother, 2 years younger than my 75 years, and I were to split everything 50-50. He died unexpectedly 10 months before Mom. I'm the only living 'child'; but shocked that his children are legal heirs to his half. Disgusting - as they had nothing to do with her for years after she quit handing them money!
There is only her modest house and years of worthless accumulation, and a 2005 minivan with dead battery and dry rotted tires.
I am joint owner of her bank accounts, from which I took care of her financial needs for the last 3+ years. I take comfort that at least the accounts belong to me and not to the estate - hopefully (?).
I consulted a lawyer before Mom passed. I had 1 meeting with him afterward in which I authorized him to inform my brother's kids (who were as shocked as I; but now greedily expectant).
His statement was, "if there's no will there's no need for probate". I didn't ask what steps to take, but thought he would handle the rest. It's been 7 months with no word from him nor response to my messages.
I am holding a $5k refund check from Mom's facility that was void after the first 60 days.
I am searching online reviews for legal help because I don't know the first step in resolving the estate. Lawyers only want big money.
For anyone not here yet, find out what you don't know legally while you can get the correct documents in place!
"Is a Handwritten Will Legal in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, three types of wills are legal:
- A standard will that was created with the help of an estate attorney
- A nuncupative will, completed while the person’s death is imminent
- A holographic will, also known as a handwritten will
Although the courts will recognize handwritten wills, they must comply with T.C.A. § 32-1-105:
No witness to a holographic will is necessary, but the signature and all its material provisions must be in the handwriting of the testator and the testator’s handwriting must be proved by two (2) witnesses.
What the statute means is that a handwritten will is only found valid if the deceased had signed the document and two witnesses can prove that the handwriting is the testator. The will must be entirely written out – if it is typed out, for instance, it will not be valid under Tennessee law."
Source: https://www.mhpslaw.com/practice-areas/estate-planning-attorney-nashville/handwritten-will-issues/#:~:text=What%20the%20statute%20means%20is,be%20valid%20under%20Tennessee%20law.
There is more info at the link regarding "Issues Surrounding Holographic (Handwritten) Wills"
in any case yes, sometimes it can be valid. but it can also raise many legal questions; lead to potential heirs contesting; and be judged invalid.
it's possible OP's TN lawyer saw the actual "will" and came to the conclusion that it's invalid for many reasons.
Go online to her county's (or district's) website and search "probate" to find out if it is required. You can probably even call the govt offices and the clerk can tell you.
When I did a search: Minnesota+"when is probate required" here is what came up...
"If your personal property exceeds $75,000 or you own real estate in your name alone, your estate must be probated."
Source: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/handbooks/probate
The need for probate is triggered not by the presence of a Will but by the amount of assets left in the deceased's name.
I was the only one taking care of my mom's interests as POA.
https://www.clearestate.com/en-us/blog/tennessee-intestate-succession#:~:text=If%20someone%20dies%20intestate%20in,then%20passes%20to%20any%20siblings.
Also, what about her "handwritten unwitnessed will"... does it have no legal weight at all in this case? Seems like it should. What reason did the attorney give that this document is not valid?
The lawyer says it is not valid because there should be 2 witnesses and notarized.
Also the state probate will tell about distributions based on their laws. In SC it is the wife and children who get equal shares
I am son who was a full-time caregiver for my mom. Each year, I would go over important legal documents with her: POA, Health Care Proxy, Will, Funeral Arrangements, Obituary, and Deed, to make sure she was OK with everything. I would then prepare a sheet that both of us signed and dated noting our review. I wanted it for my record in case anyone (including my siblings who were never involved in her care) every questioned my decisions.
When she died last year at age 93, I was prepared. Her funeral wishes were followed. When it came to closing the estate, it was a very simple process that involved my attorney's office filing a death certificate with the County Clerk to confirm ownership of the family home (mom had life use) transferred to me. The paralegal kept me informed of what she was doing by email and phone, and responded to all my questions. I paid an upfront retainer fee that was drawn down as the process moved forward.
Many of the horror stories that occur regarding control over property, bank accounts, estates, funeral arrangements, etc. might be avoided if wishes were discussed and reviewed on a regular basis. Death is certain for all of us. Having one's wishes known before makes it easier for those who survive. I wish you well.
But she did so that is water under the bridge. It doesn't help to point this out (as I also was wondering about it).
Talking about what she should have / could have done doesn't help her 'now.' It might (hopefully) help others reading this.
Yes. You were prepared. And, this doesn't help the writer of this missive at all. She can't go back ... try to be more compassionate to the situation this woman / daughter is in now - to support her.
Do what you can and then let it go. . . as difficult as this might be.
You do not want to ruin your health due to legalities and how things went in the past. It is easy to realize what we should have / could not done after the fact.
I understand this is not only emotionally difficult, it involves finances and what you feel is unfair (which it might be). Anger will not serve you moving forward. While it will / may be difficult to consider the situation this way 'be grateful for what you do have / will have' and appreciate yourself for what you did for your mom, regardless of how the Will / or lack thereof is divided up. I know this is a tall order / recommendation / advice-support. You want to maintain your well-being as best you can. Being mad, disappointed, upset, angry will not serve you. Although it is understandable.
Gena / Touch Matters
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