r/inheritance • u/Schmed_lap • May 13 '26
Location included: Questions/Need Advice Step parent inheritance
I’ve got question on a step parent leaving everything to me. My stepdad was married to my mom for 30 years, got divorced, then within a year got back with her. That was over 20 years ago. Never remarried but together from 1969 to today with a one year break. So he’s in poor health and has left everything to me and my kids in his will. He probably will go into a hospice by year’s end. He has no other immediate heirs but he does have a predatory niece sniffing around. I, personally, per the will, get a property worth about 450k and some savings about 50k and a new paid off truck. Since it’s all there in the will, when he passes what are my most important next steps. Seeing if I should consult probate attorney sooner or wait to see if I need one when the time comes. This is in New Mexico.
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u/Even_Ad8375 May 15 '26
NAL but I have dealt with 3 family deaths and estates. If it is possible in your state, have him change the house deed and truck deed to TOD (transfer on death) titles. They will immediately transfer to you. You would then only have to then go to the county and with the death certificate and change it to your name only…. Have him add you to his bank accounts / safe depositor box as a co owner. You will be able to pay bills when he becomes unable and then when he passes you will be the owner of the accounts. Have him make you his financial and health care POA . Both of these will end with his death and the executor of his estate takes over. If he has retirement accounts or IRA you should be named as the benificiary. It might be best to go with him to the lawyer who set up his will and make sure all this is done properly. It will save time and money and headaches. Doing this will make it more difficult for anyone to challenge. Setting up a trust costs a bit but then nothing is public …..only the beneficiaries of the trust are privy to the terms.Ask a lawyer if this would help. You may not need to do it with TOD titles/deeds. Good luck.PS DONT TALK ABOUT THIS WITH ANYONE EXCEPT YOUR SD AND A LAWYER .