What to do if my stepfather wants me to be in charge of his things after his death?
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What to do if my stepfather wants me to be in charge of his things after his death?
I am a stepdaughter along with another stepdaughter and biological son. What do I need to do to be assured to abide by his wishes? He does have me as beneficiary on his life insurance; he has a car, mobile home and checking account along with personal items.
Asked on November 15, 2013 under Estate Planning, Indiana
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
You stepfather needs to draft a will, which will delineate who will receive which assets and which also put certain restrictions on how they will be used (for example, he can leave money to be used only for education); and he can appoint you as the executor, or the person who administrates his estate. While a person can draft a will himself, wills are very technical and a small mistake can invalidate them or make them mean other than what the testator (person making the will) wants; therefore, your stepfather is advised to let an attorney help him draft his will.
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