What is the name of your state? AZ
My sister passed away in November of last year. She left behind a business, but other than that I do not know what property there was, including bank accounts. My brother lived near her and declared to the rest of the siblings that he was in business with our sister (saying it was a verbal agreement) and would be taking over the business. We had no way to confirm this information and felt the need to avoid animosity by letting him try to run the business.
Two weeks ago he presented each of us with a legal document that we are to sign and get notarized releasing all claims to the business and any other property that was in our sister's name. It turns out he wants to leave the state for a new job and sell this business, but cannot do so without all of us signing this legal document.
The estate was never put through probate. My brother said he doesn't want to probate it now because it would take too long and he wants to move next month. He also claims the business will barely "break even" and he may still need to declare bankruptcy. His also cited the reason for not going through probate was to avoid having us siblings incur the liabilities from creditors of the business. He's putting a lot of pressure on us.
Something smells fishy and I don't know what to do. I don't want to lose the relationship I have with my brother, yet I don't want to sign documents blindly. What should I do?
Thanks,
Paula
My sister passed away in November of last year. She left behind a business, but other than that I do not know what property there was, including bank accounts. My brother lived near her and declared to the rest of the siblings that he was in business with our sister (saying it was a verbal agreement) and would be taking over the business. We had no way to confirm this information and felt the need to avoid animosity by letting him try to run the business.
Two weeks ago he presented each of us with a legal document that we are to sign and get notarized releasing all claims to the business and any other property that was in our sister's name. It turns out he wants to leave the state for a new job and sell this business, but cannot do so without all of us signing this legal document.
The estate was never put through probate. My brother said he doesn't want to probate it now because it would take too long and he wants to move next month. He also claims the business will barely "break even" and he may still need to declare bankruptcy. His also cited the reason for not going through probate was to avoid having us siblings incur the liabilities from creditors of the business. He's putting a lot of pressure on us.
Something smells fishy and I don't know what to do. I don't want to lose the relationship I have with my brother, yet I don't want to sign documents blindly. What should I do?
Thanks,
Paula
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