Second P.R.

Hi all!
I think this set-up will make the process easier than trying to keep track of emails. Here's my first post regarding the Personal Representative issue: since everyone expressed their agreement that someone from the sibling-spawn generation be involved more directly, I'd like to be the other person designated as P.R. along with Uncle Woody. What's our first step in making this happen?

Shelley

It seems to me the first step is all of us voting our agreement or disagreement with that arrangement. I vote yes.

Pat

I vote yes as well.

After reading Shelley's first posting again and rerunning the other night's discussion in my head, I think my first posting was an inadequate answer. I believe Shelley's note is correct, we have already agreed to someone from her generation being a co-personal representative, so a "vote" is simply repeating what we'd already decided.

I second the motion for a vote, and we might as well vote on the subject of whom it should be, as well.
Shelley gets my vote.

Whew!! After much ado . . .I'm logged on . . . I'm afraid I am a basic internet user . . .never posted an 'anything'!!!! Shelley-pooh . . . as far as I'm concerned . . . You and my Dad are it!!!! . . And when the time comes for the official crowning ceremony . . .as the self-proclaimed Queen of Hope, Queen Mother of the Prom . . . I will dub thee . . Co-PR!!!!

We have no acceptable headgear and/or regalia for her.

OK I am finally in. I am with you, Wendy (or Mrs. B), my internet skills are basic. But - to the topic at hand, I agree on Shelley as second PR. I'll bet we can find some regalia.

I have done a little research today. Talked to Stu Cohen (he is Sr. VP for Legal Advocacy at AARP). he said that with the size of the estate and a few complicating factors he thinks we need a lawyer. He doesn't know anyone in Midland & tho he is from Detroit, is not familiar with Michigan law. If we trust the person making the recommendation (former Sheriff), he thinks that is a safe recommendation to go with and suggests setting up a phone interview with each lawyer - perhaps a conference call and ask the following:
given the size of the estate, what is the process and how are their fees determined

He also told me that employer-provided benefits (life insurance and retirement) are ERISA-protected and not included in the estate. That is a good thing - makes the estate (and probably legal fees) smaller. That money we can handle completely separately from estate/probate matters.

He suggested that we look thru check books for any checks to insurance companies in case there is private life insurance. Also checking with the agency who carries Norma's homeowners insurance to see if there is anything else.

He also reminded me that AARP has published a book called the AARP Crash Course in Estate Planning. I have a copy on my desk right now and will send one to anyone who would like a copy.

Hi all!
We are making good progress:

8/18 Monday—Spoke w/Barb Lyons in John Carras’ Law office (she will be main contact throughout Probate process); communicated that step to Uncle Woody via phone on Monday evening.

8/20 Wednesday—Spoke w/John Carras. He confirmed that Uncle Woody and Shelley being co-Personal Representatives is feasible and we will need all of Aunt Norma’s siblings to sign renunciation forms stipulating that they agree to this (Uncle Dick can initial any necessary forms).

First steps needed:

1) pre-pay $2,000 “retainer” + $162 filing fee for each Personal Representative + $50 fee for publication of notice to creditors in Midland Daily News—Done by Shelley

2) Certified copy of the death certificate—Uncle Woody, can you provide this to the Carras office?

3) Full names and full addresses of siblings and Dates of Birth for forms to be prepared—Shelley will have this prepared and faxed by Thurs 8/21

4) Dates of Birth and Driver’s license #’s from Shelley and Uncle Woody for the Personal Representative paperwork—each individual will provide

***Uncle Woody, give me a call please so we can plan conference call (if needed)***

Shelley

Good work! I will sign whatever is needed ... it sounds like the forms will come to us for signature once you provide the sibling details. If I need to do anything specific in that process, I trust you will let me know.

2008 tax returns:
I understood from Diane that a question surfaced in her conversation with Walt regarding preparation of Norma's 2008 tax returns. I still have contacts in Midland in the tax preparation business from my Dow Corning years; thus I'm willing to take on that issue and follow up unless I hear an objection. I would make the contact and find out exactly what is needed, then would need some Midland assistance to pull together the information necessary.

I will wait for a confirmation that this is OK with everyone before I proceed.

Pat

Anyone feel free to let me know if you need me to do anything.

Mom--
Sounds like a great idea to have you use your contacts to take care of getting the taxes done.

Shelley

It all sounds good. Shel - you have done good work. I stand ready to sign whatever is needed to move the process.

Pat - I think it sounds reasonable to make a contact re: taxes. My guess is that as the process moves, all of the necessary paperwork for taxes will turn up. And it would be good to have advice from a professional about what he/she needs, e.g. death certificate, final papers from County, etc.

I will check with my Mom to get a copy of death cert to Carras law firm ... Dad is having a kidney issue again this week . . . Uncle Dickie and I accepted award on Tuesday at County office (I have a couple of pics to forward). It is a certificate in a frame . . . we tentatively offered it to one of A-N's office mates, unless one of you would like it . . .they are apparently setting aside some space in the office for a memorial of sorts . . . family member or office??? Let me know.

Oh . . . . if only the Beckki-Boos would have let Shelley keep the official Bekki flower arrangement . . .we would have had the perfect head-dress, at the very least!!!!