Why does my parents estate attorney want me to sign something with a notary present?

[Anonymous]

My mother is giving all of her money to her 15 years younger husband (not my dad) when she dies.

Whatever, it’s her money.

Allegedly his will is also set up to give me everything when he dies (he has no bio children).

Of course as a long time reader of DCUM I know if she dies first he will get remarried in 10 seconds flat, and I’ll never get an inheritance.

Like I said, whatever. My mom not looking out for me is not news, and I’m 41.

Here is my question: Why were they both so adamant I sign something document with a notary present? Why do I have to sign something about their estate?

I haven’t seen it yet, but I find it incredibly odd. Anyone have any idea?

[Anonymous]

It may be some acknowledgment of the plan so you can’t contest the will. Total guess there.

[Anonymous]

They are probably trying to get you to sign something stating you won't contest the will.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it's so you will have a much harder time contesting it.

[Anonymous]

Do not under any circumstances sign this document!

[Anonymous]

Do not agree to sign. What do you get out of it? Maybe if they agree that you should be left something. Anything really.

If you really don't care, then sign, but I wouldn't.

[Anonymous]

You need to find out more before you get there. Methinks you only sign not to contest if HIS will is unchanged from what it is now. So you need a lawyer.

[Anonymous]

Also if your mom’s money really came from your grandparents or your bio father, you should not relinquish your rights. You can always choose not to bother and let the younger step parent take it all despite this being counter to the original sources intention or you can decide to contest it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also if your mom’s money really came from your grandparents or your bio father, you should not relinquish your rights. You can always choose not to bother and let the younger step parent take it all despite this being counter to the original sources intention or you can decide to contest it.

It’s pretty complicated. My bio dad died 40 years ago, and my mom and stepdad married a few years later and ran my bio dad’s business together until it was sold recently. The business included valuable land that my bio dad originally bought (with a mortgage), but other than that I consider the business their business (mom and stepdad) since 40 years is a long time to operate a business.

I have always come behind my stepdad, and I live far away from them both to this day because I was treated pretty badly. I built my life around not needing them in any way, and so I am inclined just to let them do whatever it is they want to do.

[Anonymous]

Ask them to email you the document so you can review it before you go to sign. If you have concerns, see if you can get an hour with a contract attorney to advise you.

If you really feel like the money is from something that your mother and stepfather have built together, I would let them arrange things as they like and move on with the life you have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also if your mom’s money really came from your grandparents or your bio father, you should not relinquish your rights. You can always choose not to bother and let the younger step parent take it all despite this being counter to the original sources intention or you can decide to contest it.

It’s pretty complicated. My bio dad died 40 years ago, and my mom and stepdad married a few years later and ran my bio dad’s business together until it was sold recently. The business included valuable land that my bio dad originally bought (with a mortgage), but other than that I consider the business their business (mom and stepdad) since 40 years is a long time to operate a business.

I have always come behind my stepdad, and I live far away from them both to this day because I was treated pretty badly. I built my life around not needing them in any way, and so I am inclined just to let them do whatever it is they want to do.

I think they can do that without you needing to sign anything, but I agree with the PP who said to ask for the document in advance.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if you are still the beneficiary of something of your father's and they would like you to sign away your beneficiary rights?

[Anonymous]

Ask them to email it to you in advance so you can read it. Then take it to an estate attorney and ask for a review.

It's possible you are the remainder man of a trust you are setting up. Don't assume the worst. It does sound valid, given your second post, for him to get their wealth. It's not like your dad died ten years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask them to email it to you in advance so you can read it. Then take it to an estate attorney and ask for a review.

It's possible you are the remainder man of a trust you are setting up. Don't assume the worst. It does sound valid, given your second post, for him to get their wealth. It's not like your dad died ten years ago.

typo - a trust THEY are setting up

[Anonymous]

It would be worth a quick consult with an attorney before you sign anything.

Get a copy of what they want you to sign in advance. Tell them you want to "review it" before signing. And then you review it and so does your lawyer. It may be that you would be signing a lot away. It may be that you have no claim to anything at all. It may be that they are actually giving you something. Impossible for any of us to say, probably pretty hard for you to figure out on your own, and relatively easy for a trusts/estates attorney to figure out.