transfer on death

[wollweber]

My father lived in Missouri, he has recently passed away and left his house and a couple of vehicles TOD to me and my brother. He did not want my sister to have anything or else he would have added her to everything. Long story on her.....not a good one.
We found out where she was and left message for her to come home for the funeral, she did not come. Then she shows up a few days later demanding EVERYTHING. My brother tried to explain to her that even after the sell of the house, we have to pay funeral expenses, hospital and doctor bills, etc. All she keeps screaming is where is all his money, the man had no money, he barely survived of off S.S. checks. Now we have found out that she has gone behind our backs, instead of talking to us like we have tried to repeatedly do with her, and has a lawyer!
Since Dad left everything TOD to my brother and me, does she have a legal leg to stand on? She is also going around town, (I live out of state) telling everyone she is me trying to get information on the property. I left a message with her lawyer that she better stop it or I will take legal action.
Please, if anyone has any information about how binding TOD is in Missouri, let me know. Thank you

 

[advisor10]

4-3-2002

DEAR WOLLWEBER:

You all probably told her he was only getting Social Security checks and she still is in denial and wants to believe he is richer than he was!

She has no legal leg to stand on. So what if she has her own attorney--they haven't done anything.

How much is the house expected to sell for? Sit down and make up a financial statement, such as:

HOUSE, EXPECTED SELLING PRICE $10,000

MINUS FUNERAL EXPENSE 3,000

MINUS OUTSTANDING DEBTS 2,000

DOCTOR BILLS 4,000

PROFIT $4,000

She needs to see in black and white that there is not going to be that much money left over to be split after estate expenses are paid.

You need to consult with a local probate lawyer to find out how strong TOD is. The answer is: very strong.

SINCERELY,

advisor

 

[wollweber]

reply

Thank you for your reply.
Since my sister will not contact us, I contacted her lawyer. Since I don't know what kind of story she told this man, I told his secretary to tell him that the property is TOD, and to also tell her I will press charges if she keeps trying to get information using my name. My sis in law also contacted my father's attorney, and he said not to worry, the TOD is set in stone.
It's awful that she has to do something like this, we have never been a feuding family, always close despite her ways and actions......
Once again, thank you for your help.
wollweber