Both of my wife's parents died. Her dad first in January, now her mom in September. My wife is the oldest child. No will was left. What do we do? [more inside]
posted by Bageena on Nov 18, 2009 - 24 answers

My dad's accounts are designated POD (payable on death) to me. Is that overriden by his listing of those accounts in his total assets, which his will divides among me and others, and which will is going to take some time to execute? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 10, 2009 - 6 answers

Tax-filter and estate-filter. I live in Ohio. The deceased lived in Ohio and gave me a certificate of deposit upon her death using a payable on death designation during 2008. I then cashed it out and placed this money in a checking account. I am not otherwise involved with the estate in any way. I have usually used "free-file" to do my taxes.

Two-part question: a) does this money count towards adjusted gross income? and if so...um... how? (I know so little about it I'm not sure what I'm asking) b) assuming my AGI is still under the $56k limit for free-file, is there any other reason why I cannot or should not do my taxes in that matter since I inherited this CD? [more inside]
posted by RobotHeart on Feb 24, 2009 - 6 answers

How should we handle liquidating assets in an estate in the USA right now? Assets consist primarily of a stock portfolio and a house. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 21, 2008 - 17 answers

I'm receiving a sizable inheritance in the form of stock from a deceased relative. However, there's fairly good evidence that the person who's managed the relative's affairs all these years (due to this relative being incapable of managing their own affairs) has intentionally sold a vast majority of that stock because they didn't want to draw down their own inheritance. If I contest this, though, there's a clause in the will that cuts my inheritance to $1. Do I take the stock that's offered me, or should I risk it on recovering the rest? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 16, 2008 - 37 answers

My mother passed away in 2003 and 3 of us siblings split the estate. Fast forward to 2007, when we are contacted by EquiSearch.net, who claims there is over $2,500 in unclaimed assets in mom’s name. EquiSearch, of course, would be thrilled to help us get this money but will take 35% of the proceeds for their trouble. How can we find this asset ourselves? We aren't aware of any stock, insurance, bank, or other accounts but apparently there was one. If there is an option that doesn't require the huge percentage fee (like a flat rate fee from another company) what is it? I would strongly prefer to avoid doing business with EquiSearch. Thanks for your help!
posted by phildog on Aug 1, 2007 - 14 answers

Estate Tax Filter
I've been trying to figure out how much someone can inherit before having to pay a whole mess of taxes on the money. I've been trying to use the IRS Estate and Gift Tax page but am just as confused as before. Can anyone help me out?
posted by fenriq on Feb 7, 2005 - 7 answers