Estate split

There is one issue that I think we left undecided in our conversations - the estate "split" - that is whether it should be a 4-way sibling split or a 9-way split to include all nieces/nephews (I believe the understanding was that if we did a sibling split, those with children could pass on inherited dollars/goods to them). I think this was left hanging.

Since our discussion, we have some new information. The employer-provided benefits (life insurance and retirement/pension) are NOT included in the estate and therefore not subject to estate taxes, etc. Also, I think the attorney suggested that, in order to protect Uncle Dick from endangering his eligibility to remain in subsidized housing, we would split 3 ways and then each of the other siblings would agree to put Uncle Dick's share into a trust for him.

Given all that, here is my proosal: that we use a 4-way split for the "estate" - all things that go thru attorney/probate and use a different split for the non-estate monies to include nieces and nephews.

It will keep it cleaner in terms of all of the paperwork and in terms of getting Uncle Dick set up. I am open to any other proposals, but I thought it might be useful to agree on a process so Walt & Shelley aren't left to figure it out.

BTW, I have heard nothing from the County on either insurance or retirement. I still have the funeral home bill and don't know when they will think I have skipped town. I thought 6 weeks might be adequate so will probably start making some calls next week.

Hope all this is helpful.