Beauty

[IControlMyHappiness]

thanks ladies....this was very helpful.

[TootyJane]

On 4/7/2014 RedConvertibleGirl said:

My husband and siblings know what to do with my things. I don't have any children, so my valuables will be donated to causes I care about form them to auction off.

You say that your "husband and siblings know what to do with your things"; however, you really need to have all your wishes in writing!

[2boxers]

you need a lawyer and a trust make sure you add instructions on medical needs and who will administer your estate upon your demise. also who will make your medical decisions,etc.

[Tinkerbell3]

You need to speak w/ a lawyer & you should have a will- Yes, "there" (not "their") are people who will take care of your belongings. Why not ask a close friend?

[Alsee]

On 4/7/2014 sashamatthews said:

I am older than the last poster, and I am going through this now. Trying to make sure everything is arranged properly. The only problem is - where do the pets go? My avian vet told me sanctuaries not want money to take in birds. I don't have an issue with that but I have two special needs birds and one elderly bird. Plus the bunny. There is no one to take them.

</ Please look into Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab,Utah. They will care for almost any animal for life if they can't find a new home for them. They will even arrange for pick up if necessary. That can be included in your Will. You will know they will be cared for

[DemoDame]

I know this is not the question of the OP, but I wanted those of you with pets to know that Texas A & M University (and home to one of the premier veterinary schools in the country) has the Stevenson Center which provides excellent care and love for pets left behind. Of course, it is not free, but if your pets are your children there is a place that will care for them once you pass away. It is truly a wonderful place.

[DemoDame]

Each state is different, but basically if you die without a will the court will appoint an executor who will make sure your debts are paid and then attempt to locate any existing heirs. If none can be located the executor will arrange a sale of your assets and the majority of the money will go to the state you live in. The court appointed executor will be paid based on the size of your estate. So much better to meet with an attorney (and there are lots of great and very honest ones) and draw up a proper will and have the money go to a charity or cause you support.

[Georgiagrama]

sunshine3215

My DH and I just met with our chosen attorney. We liked him a lot and he is to do our wills next week. His firm will act as executor is we wish, but, we have a family member to do that. He told us that one of the duties of the executor is to carry out your final wishes. An attorney will see to all of your needs, you just need to find one that you like.

[shoekitty]

We had our will done 2 years ago, it is a trust. We went to a highly recommended will attorney. I was surprised at the cost. it isn't as much as I thought. What a relief! We went through everything. The lawyer also mentioned he has many clients who have no family, none. The lawyer who draws up the will can act as your trustee. But unless there is money and a lot of property, a simple will at an attorney or that online legalzoom.com would work. Basically if you can find a few friends, who would do it you can line them up as trustee in succession (incase one can't do it, dies, etc). It is not complicated, they have to follow your wishes. You can even give the trustee a percentage of your estate for handling your affairs.

I can't stress enough, to do something. Go online, get a trust, have it notorized and you are done. That way the state you live in doesn't take everything, and they will. In california, if you die intestate (without a will,) it goes into probate. For a year or more the state of California hires a lawyer, they settle your estate, and send the heirs (first blood relative in line) the remains, which after legal fees and taxes is nothing. The state can take over 50% and they sell everything for nickels on the dollar. They do not care.

If you have no heirs, at least if you have a trust or will a charity can get your assets.

A charity can be named in a living trust. That way no probate and less taxes.

[shoekitty]

On 4/7/2014 Skylands said:

On 4/7/2014 hyacinth003 said:

On 4/7/2014 Skylands said:

I would avoid probate at all costs. Do some research before going to an attorney. They are expensive and will guide you to what serves them best. Best to you.

To the OP, you can set up whatever you want with a lawyer.

Probate may not be the worst thing in the world! My husband's father left everything in a Trust, and the two "trustees" spent $120,000 fighting over things. Guess who paid?

The "Trust," meaning my husband and his "brothers."

Hyacinth

Yes, these type of situations happen in all cases: probate included.

Lawyers are out to make $$. They will guide you legally in their best interest, generally speaking.

A good attorney will make a trust/living trust air tight, . It is to follow your written wishes. Most trusts and wills today include a provision that, basically "you get what you get". If there is any contesting, the contesting party gets nothing. Most everyone I know who has wills and trusts drawn up do this.

I have known family members that fought and never spoke to each other again over a couple dollars and a lamp. True story.