singagospelsong
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? INDIANA
My 14 year old nephew came to live with us in Nov. 2007, my husband and I were appointed his permanent guardians in Jan. 2008.
His mother passed away from cancer in 2002 (his fathers parental rights were terminated in mid 2007).
My sister-in-law is the trustee for the estate that was left to our nephew, who is the sole beneficiary. In accordance with the will, he is to receive the balance of the trust at the age of 30. No one in the family knows exactly what was left to him or what the current status is of the account. But there is speculation it was originally in the area of $300,000. Does he as a minor or us as his guardians have a legal right to know what was left to him?
Additionally, there is question as to whether there has been improper use of funds from the estate. We requested a copy of the beginning balance and current balance on the account. First call (6 weeks ago), a nervous response was - no problem. Second call (2 weeks ago), haven't had time to pull it. Third call (last night), its non of your *^%&!*$ business. This has only served to increase suspicion.
1. There was a house (paid off) in the estate which has sat empty for over 6 years. The sister-in-law's husband has a miscellaneous contruction work type business. They have been providing the routine maintence & lawncare on the house this whole time...seemingly drumming up issues to work on, tearing down privacy fence, remodeling, etc.
2. Three months ago, they decided to bring on a tenant in the house, but there is no indication as to where the rent money will go. They have also indicated to the tenant that they plan to sell the house in a couple of years.
3. Brother-in-laws construction business has been on the downward spiral. Approximately a year ago he his employees go. He has had several companies with the same purpose/different name in the past.
4. Sister-in-law doesn't work, yet they have taken three Colorado Skiing trips this year?
My greatest fear is what was intended for this child, who has been through more than one should have to, will be gone.
Is there an agency that can ensure for us that the funds are not being mis-used? I don't even care so much if we know the dollar amounts to our questions, as much as, I'm desperate to be sure they are not robbing this child.
Nothing has been spent from it related to the child. Not for his braces, we've been told, not for college, nothing.
We have 3 teenagers, and not much extra to pay attorney fees, etc. I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give.
Please forgive for the repost, but I wasn't sure how to go back and make my title more interesting!
My 14 year old nephew came to live with us in Nov. 2007, my husband and I were appointed his permanent guardians in Jan. 2008.
His mother passed away from cancer in 2002 (his fathers parental rights were terminated in mid 2007).
My sister-in-law is the trustee for the estate that was left to our nephew, who is the sole beneficiary. In accordance with the will, he is to receive the balance of the trust at the age of 30. No one in the family knows exactly what was left to him or what the current status is of the account. But there is speculation it was originally in the area of $300,000. Does he as a minor or us as his guardians have a legal right to know what was left to him?
Additionally, there is question as to whether there has been improper use of funds from the estate. We requested a copy of the beginning balance and current balance on the account. First call (6 weeks ago), a nervous response was - no problem. Second call (2 weeks ago), haven't had time to pull it. Third call (last night), its non of your *^%&!*$ business. This has only served to increase suspicion.
1. There was a house (paid off) in the estate which has sat empty for over 6 years. The sister-in-law's husband has a miscellaneous contruction work type business. They have been providing the routine maintence & lawncare on the house this whole time...seemingly drumming up issues to work on, tearing down privacy fence, remodeling, etc.
2. Three months ago, they decided to bring on a tenant in the house, but there is no indication as to where the rent money will go. They have also indicated to the tenant that they plan to sell the house in a couple of years.
3. Brother-in-laws construction business has been on the downward spiral. Approximately a year ago he his employees go. He has had several companies with the same purpose/different name in the past.
4. Sister-in-law doesn't work, yet they have taken three Colorado Skiing trips this year?
My greatest fear is what was intended for this child, who has been through more than one should have to, will be gone.
Is there an agency that can ensure for us that the funds are not being mis-used? I don't even care so much if we know the dollar amounts to our questions, as much as, I'm desperate to be sure they are not robbing this child.
Nothing has been spent from it related to the child. Not for his braces, we've been told, not for college, nothing.
We have 3 teenagers, and not much extra to pay attorney fees, etc. I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give.
Please forgive for the repost, but I wasn't sure how to go back and make my title more interesting!