Proving Parentage for Inheritance in Vermont: Steps When a Father’s Name Is Missing from the Birth Certificate
How to establish parentage for an inheritance in Vermont when a birth certificate lacks a father’s name Short answer If your father’s name does not appear on your birth certificate, you can still prove you are his child for purposes of inheriting under Vermont law. Typical paths are: (1) produce a signed acknowledgment of paternity, […]
Read article →Protecting an Inheritance in Vermont When a Family Member May Contest
Protecting an Inheritance in Vermont When a Family Member May Contest Disclaimer: This information is educational only and not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Consult a Vermont probate or estate attorney for advice tailored to your case. Detailed answer: How to protect an inheritance under Vermont law When an heir or […]
Read article →How to Get Appointed Administrator of a Sibling's Intestate Estate in Vermont
Step-by-step guide to becoming the appointed administrator of a deceased sibling's Vermont estate when there is no will Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. Consult a Vermont probate attorney for guidance about your specific situation. Quick answer (what typically happens) When someone dies without a will (intestate) in Vermont, the Probate […]
Read article →Vermont: Notices Required to Notify Heirs When Opening Probate
Detailed Answer Short summary: When you open a probate estate in Vermont you must notify all interested persons — typically the decedent’s heirs-at-law (if there’s no valid will) and the will’s beneficiaries and nominated personal representative (if there is one). Vermont requires that interested persons receive timely notice and that you file proof of that […]
Read article →Finalizing Probate and Selling Estate Property in Vermont
How to Finish Probate in Vermont When a Will Is Outdated and You Need Authority to Sell Real Property This FAQ-style guide explains, in plain language, how Vermont probate works when a will appears outdated and how an appointed personal representative can obtain authority to sell estate real estate. This is educational information only and […]
Read article →Vermont: Selling a Home After a Parent’s Reverse Mortgage When the Lender Wants Renunciation Letters
Detailed Answer Short answer: After a borrower with a reverse mortgage dies, the loan becomes due. To sell the house you will normally need to work with the loan servicer to get a payoff figure and clear title. If the servicer keeps requesting "renunciation" letters, they are usually seeking evidence that certain people are renouncing […]
Read article →Vermont: What to Do When an Uncle Refuses to Sign a Renunciation So You Can Be Personal Representative
What to do if a relative (an uncle) refuses to sign a renunciation so you can serve as personal representative under Vermont law Short answer If your uncle refuses to sign a renunciation, you still have options. First try a direct resolution (explain the duties, offer help with paperwork). If that fails, file with the […]
Read article →Including Out‑of‑State Real Estate in a Vermont Will — What You Need to Know
Detailed Answer — Including an Out‑of‑State House in Your Vermont Will Short answer: You can name a house you own in another state in a Vermont will, but the property’s transfer at death will usually be controlled by the law of the state where the house is located. You must make sure your Vermont will […]
Read article →Challenging POA Transfers in Vermont: Can You Fight Transfers If Your Grandfather Lacked Capacity?
Can I challenge transfers made under a power of attorney if I suspect my grandfather lacked capacity? Short answer: Yes — you may be able to challenge transfers made by an agent under a power of attorney (POA) if you can show your grandfather lacked capacity when the POA was signed or when the agent […]
Read article →What Happens to Joint Bank Accounts and Property When Someone Dies Without a Will in Vermont
How Vermont Treats Joint Bank Accounts and Property When Someone Dies Without a Will Short answer If a Vermonter dies without a will, the legal result depends on how each asset is titled and whether there is a designated beneficiary. Assets titled as joint with right of survivorship or as payable-on-death (POD) typically pass directly […]
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