When Two Heirs want the same Heirloom

Solving a family dilemma

Solutions to Dividing a Loved One's Estate

Dealing with family tensions and finding equitable answers are the key

It is a difficult and trying experience when children and other heirs have to divide the personal belongings of their parents. Sometimes the resulting disagreements can last a lifetime. That is why I wrote my new book, How to Divide Your Family’s Estate and Heirlooms Peacefully & Sensibly.

What Should I Keep When Cleaning Out Dad’s House?

Don’t take things just to take them

Don’t sell, give away, or donate anything until a professional has examined it. So many boomers throw away or give away personal possessions worth a fortune, simply because they don’t know the values. Tell everyone no until the appraiser has reviewed everything. The cost to pay a personal property appraiser is nothing compared to what you could find, not to mention the peace of mind it will give you!

Being Thankful in These Challenging Times

Give thanks for what you have

With Thanksgiving near, long-ago recollections have flooded my mind: all my loved ones hovering around the kitchen picking on food morsels, family by the TV watching football, constant chatter at the dinner table, endless giggles and mischief we children always got into, and the fabulous feasts my mother and aunts prepared on this special day.

The Executor’s Role in an Estate

There is no substitute for good records and good communication!

You’ve been chosen as the executor for your parents’ estate, or you’ve selected the executor for your estate. What does the executor do?

How to Find the Best Executor for Your Estate

Don’t worry about hurting feelings when you make your choice

Your Parents Need Protection!

Stand between your parents and con artists

Occasional news stories sadden and disturb me, as elderly, well-meaning people continue to fall victim to clever scams and schemes. About a year ago, I gave my blog readers the following suggestions about protecting our parents and other elderly relatives. Please review these suggestions, and pass this information along to others, so together we can protect our elderly family and friends.

Can an Executor Change the Locks?

Protecting assets

I am the executor for my mother, who just passed away. She is our last parent to die, and now her house and garage are unprotected. She had some caregivers toward the end of her life, so I don’t know who has keys to her house. Is it okay for me to change the locks?

Places to Find Hidden Treasure

Use your detective skills

Many older people have a long-term distrust of banks and often hide their valuables in the strangest places. If your parents are European immigrants, they have an even greater tendency to do this, and if either parent has dementia or Alzheimer’s, they likely have hidden things and forgotten about them.

6 Practical Ways to Help Your Parents This Fall

Always approach them with love

You can’t take it with you! If they are able, suggest to your parents that they write a master list of who should get what and give the document to the executor. Or they can ask each child what he or she would like to have, and put that on a “wish list.” A document cuts down on the “he-said-she-said” that often occurs when settling an estate.