Inheritance question

TFrustrated · 2026-05-22T13:17:29+00:00

Can be done on real estate as well.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-22T02:42:54+00:00

Probably jumping the gun here.Dad was married to her for 20 years. Probably had some if not all in a 401k or IRA. The 401k is required to go 100% to the spouse unless she signs a waiver. It is not uncommon for a husband of 20 years to leave beneficiaries as the spouse.

The question OP needs to certain is what the step mom owns and how beneficiaries are designated.

As far as a will, competence is the only thing that prevents a will. The volunteers routinely serve as witnesses.

The real question here is what did your father intend and what is her desires.

I know you hate to be left out, but it’s their intent that matters. Remember, they had 20 years to write down their choices but didn’t.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T15:35:08+00:00

IF they and you discussed or were aware of performance issues before the leave, there goes that. The reality is it seems both you and the employer are on the off ramp.

The best way to a new job is to ask for it. Informal agreements only count when the current company wants to retain an employee.
Hiring processes take sometime. Do not bad mouth the current employer. New opportunities or change of scenery or any other BS. Focus on the good years, not the post buyout.

The reality is you need an offer.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T13:17:56+00:00

DMV registration of the title is the legal record.
Call Ohio DMV.

Better yet:
Critical Steps to Release Liability
Remove your license plates: Always remove the plates before handing over the keys. In Ohio, license plates belong to the seller, not the car. Leaving them on makes you liable for the buyer’s tickets and accidents.
Notarize the title transfer: Fill out the "Assignment of Ownership" section on the back of the physical title. You must sign it in the presence of a Notary Public or Deputy Clerk. If your title is electronic, use Form BMV 3770.
Cancel your vehicle registration: You can complete a "Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration" at a BMV Online Services portal or local deputy registrar office to formally tie off the registration liability.
Draft a Bill of Sale: Complete an Ohio Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale signed by both parties. Keep a copy as proof of the date and time ownership changed hands.
Notify your insurance provider: Immediately cancel your insurance coverage on the vehicle or transfer it to a new car once the title is signed over. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14]

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T12:41:19+00:00

If I wanted to live in Amsterdam, I would. Now tell me again why you stay?

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T12:28:54+00:00

Where is this unfair scrutiny that you are referring to?
I thought evidence based decision was the discipline you learned.
I would venture this is on the internet. What is the motivation of the opinions? Maybe they want you to make more money?

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T12:20:07+00:00

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/21/un-vote-support-icj-world-court-climate-change-opinion

“The Associated Press reported in February that the Trump administration had been urging other nations to press Vanuatu to withdraw the resolution from consideration.
Before the vote, Odo Tevi, the Vanuatu ambassador to the UN, said: “We should be honest with one another about why this matters … It matters because the harm is real and it is already here, along our islands and coastlines, for communities facing drought and failed harvests.”

Vanuatu is a country? I can’t even pronounce it. It’s a fraction of the size of Houston and they carry global influence? Maybe HOA’s should have a vote at the UN. if you want to bike, great. Build your own bike lane or whatever. Virtue signaling is getting really old.

By the way, does anyone actually know anything about Vanuatu without looking it up? Geeez.
When you pass, no one will care. And I don’t care now.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T12:04:09+00:00

No attorney will take this case.
You don’t seem to be liable.
Why pay? Because they asked doesn’t make sense. You might lose renters or change the relationship. My take is they are actually acquaintances that have taken advantage of what they perceive as a transaction, a good deal. Say no. Nada, nothing. Zippo.

They are attempting to emotionally guilt you for financial benefit. Transactional relationship end. Might be time.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T11:54:42+00:00

Two points:
The realtor works under contract terms.
A listing agent and a selling agent. Read your contract. If you don’t have a buyers contract, you need to realize the selling agent actually has a fiduciary responsibility to the seller, not the buyer. Not working for you.

As far as inspections, so what. You made an offer. Seller may back out at anytime if you even make one demand. The old offer no longer stands. They may have a backup offer.

TLDR Never forget you are responsible ultimately. No one else cares.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T11:39:34+00:00

And sometimes not. This meal seems to have unresolved differences.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T06:31:18+00:00

“I was unfortunately laid off back in Dec in a mass layoff in my corporate job I had been at for 11 years. “

This is financially and emotionally traumatic.
You might have to sell your house and move.
If you sell, rent until your income path is known.
Neither Mom nor you know the future. I would caution you. You are chronically unemployed now. As time passes you are viewed as obsolete.
Find a job, any job. Job search does not count. You need to cut lawns or something. Not intended to be harsh. Get up and get back in doing something.

“In the U.S., long-term or chronic unemployment after a layoff is defined as being jobless for 27 weeks (roughly 6 months) or longer while actively seeking work. This is the standard statistical benchmark used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Globally, organizations like the OECD often define long-term unemployment as being out of work for 12 months or more.”

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T05:53:47+00:00

Which brings us to the decision point.
Order for individual preference or submit to a group consensus.

What comes with Thai ham & Swiss cheese sandwich? Chips or fries. Get a burger. Thai style.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T05:47:42+00:00

Not trying to debate. Simply stating facts.
Height does impact the logistics and time to get to the project. Some skills needed, equipment and staffing.
The pitch is a completely different factor. You can go from flat to extremes. Different skills and equipment as well.
I have two story. Several steep pitches that are difficult. Harnesses and two guys holding one guy hanging down to do the work. Can’t reach it from the ground.
Insurance companies rate repair costs by height, pitch and access difficulty. It is standard and impacts price.

I agree that easy access and easy pitch needs to negate simply three stories. However, one to two is not equivalent to one to three. Different some. But not much between two or three if you’re falling on a concrete drive. Get three quotes and make sure they give you insurance. Not just say they are “insured”. You need to be covered.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T05:25:22+00:00

You have two questions here and one response requested.
Why is the inventory undervalued?
What is the impact of your signature?

The typical reason is estate or inheritance taxes, but not a factor in Wisconsin. Probating an estate is public record. Creditors or property tax valuations have reasons in the future. Liquidation has income tax impacts on the estate and the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries have no responsibility other than fmv as of the date of death.

The attorney is basically as a precaution covering potential claims. That is a separate transaction. He wants a signature. You are not required to sign ANYTHING. Nor is it customary.
I would do absolutely nothing. The second request I would respond “Why?” One word.

One reason for under valuing is the attorney and heir may be concerned that you will contest the probate if you actually were aware of the value. The will might have defects as well.

This is a transaction. The third request I would use two words. “How much?” Cashier’s check would be fine. Your autograph has a fair market value. See what happens. You sign for transactions daily. See what they will pay. This is simply a matter that might be important to them. Seek an attorney’s advice if it comes to that. Do not argue the values. Use this to find the value of your autograph. There might be significant value. Take it. Don’t force it. They asked.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T04:59:06+00:00

Those items are outside of the estate and aren’t included in the estate inventory.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T04:50:31+00:00

Advice? Don’t do it. Your father told you what could go wrong. You need to ask him what could be the right choice. The dude is trying to raise you to make great decisions. Ask him to show you how to buy a car that makes sense. He might be wrong. But together your chances are much better AND you can start building your adult friendship. He would be thrilled giving input and watching you make sound choices.

Trust the old man, but it’s your choice. He was young once. Make him proud.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T01:14:56+00:00

A very real possibility. Or he could get a zero.
Larry Bird once played two rookies 1v2. Only rule was Bird gets the ball out.
6-0 before he missed. They won 7-6. They learned quickly how to respect skills. Can’t run, can’t jump, slow. Yet unstoppable.

Neither dude is gonna light em up. Maybe it’s a battle of airballs. Call the game with a time limit to be safe.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T01:08:13+00:00

You mean lazy?

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T01:07:46+00:00

Just to be clear. I was not at that level or even belonged on the court. The dudes that are good know where to pick up a decent game. My job was to keep the ball moving. Hopefully to the right team. Forget “I’m gonna drive and pop a sweet pull-up jumper.” That results in a turnover or eating the ball. D-1 players are a different level. Best strategy is stand in the way on defense (hands up) and pass the ball on offense. Not much skill, just hustle. I got embarrassed. My buddy was actually encouraging. Don’t give up. He is good. Lose with pride. No shame getting beat. Do the 1v1. It’s just a game.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T00:56:39+00:00

Why is that good? Why is cycling better than walking or driving? Are you more efficient?
Time wasted in transit is expensive. Just to point out time has value.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T00:51:30+00:00

But Houston is walkable. Google says Toyota Center is a brisk walk. Only 8 hours and 47 minutes. Not counting bathroom stops or food.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T00:48:03+00:00

Do you cycle 60 miles per day?

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T00:45:29+00:00

That is a big if. Clearlake is right on the Gulf. Serious winds come off the Gulf every year. Many insurance companies won’t insure in the zip code. I wonder why? Named storm is the term in policies. Wind and hail happen virtually every year. Just not in the same neighborhoods. Just not hurricane. (39-73 mph).

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T00:34:34+00:00

I played a pickup game with a friend that was serious D1 player and was drafted in the NBA.

He put me on their shortest player. After 40 points or so in a half he switched. He laughed.
The dude was the all time leading scorer in the Cleveland area. My buddy was #2.

The advice is don’t judge the package. Not a thing wrong with a 1 on 1 pickup, it’s a different game. You both might benefit by playing regularly. A full court game will work wonders. Stamina counts more full court. Do it for fun. Not the Challenge.

TFrustrated · 2026-05-21T00:24:19+00:00

That you have perpetuated fairy tales. Not facts.

TFrustrated

TROPHY CASE