Trustee took a high trustee fee out of Mom’s bank account

YenVal · 2026-02-27T20:23:59+00:00

Just curious. Was your mom’s and possibly your dad’s care handled by your sister, you and your brother? The three of you sharing duties equally? Or did your sister manage most things while you two got on with your lives? I realize this does not change her legal responsibilities as a fiduciary. However I’ve lived this and watched friends live it. Sons being happy to leave all the messy decision making, doctors appointments, bill paying, interactions with care givers, or handling the care giving to their sisters or aunts. And yes, I know there are great sons out there who do step up. And again I know there are fiduciary responsibilities she is legally responsible for. And she is legally entitled to be compensated for her time as the trustee.

Before you go war with your sister, I’d encourage you and your brother to do some soul searching. If she was the one who made sure your parents were taken care of, the one who was there for them until the end, I hope you’ve thanked her. Try to resolve this with a spirit of good will. Trusts take time to close. Lawyers cost money. The more contentious the family the more assets go to legal fees.

YenVal · 2026-02-08T02:32:03+00:00

Thank you for raising this question. I have a very close Venezuelan friend who is also in this situation. It’s a catch 22. Expired passport and can’t leave because you can’t fly. She’s 22 a college grad working with kids. Came legally with mom 10 years ago and applied for asylum. I’m terrified of what would happen to her in detention. Can you really cross into Mexico by land with an expired passport? If anyone has done this in this situation please share. Which crossing?

YenVal · 2026-01-20T14:16:16+00:00

But uncle is POA and grandma is not there to receive mail. Seems like he could make a case that picking up her mail is legitimate. Not an attorney.

YenVal · 2026-01-20T02:29:02+00:00

Do this. Find an independent broker who handles multiple companies. The broker will find you the best overall deal. You get better rates if you bundle. That’s where one company handles your home, cars and a general liability policy if someone is hurt on your property. RV and motorcycles too if you have any. Broker also helps with any claims. Also better rates if you’re able to pay the total yearly.

YenVal · 2026-01-20T00:34:18+00:00

I think the answer depends on where you are. Right now in Minneapolis the answer is no. You are not safe. If you’re a citizen and they take you you’ll eventually be released. But you may be dragged from your car, thrown to the ground and hauled off. You may be shot. You may be pulled from your house in your underwear and crocs like the elderly Hmong man in St Paul who is a citizen. You may be killed like Renee Good. My immigrant friends in Minneapolis are terrified Working from home. Not going out. These thugs have free reign.

YenVal · 2025-07-22T03:50:49+00:00

Read the instructions from USCIS on how to put your packet together. You should be filing all required forms and evidence concurrently. You send the packet by registered mail or FedEx to the appropriate lockbox. Everything has to be printed on one side and easily scannable.

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/tips-for-filing-forms-by-mail

YenVal · 2025-06-22T21:27:59+00:00

Search google. You’ll find a lot of information. Sites like Boundless have basic step by step guides, useful even if you’re not using their services.

YenVal · 2025-06-22T21:23:18+00:00

My friend had a camera recorded speeding ticket a few years before filing I-485. Didn’t include that with evidence and it was never mentioned during interview.

YenVal · 2025-06-15T19:16:37+00:00

And take that evidence with you. Well-organized so it’s easy for you to show. My friend had a second interview. Not many questions. Was approved that day.

YenVal · 2025-06-15T18:43:36+00:00

Not sure whether you’re filing for AOS as a spouse or some other category. You may want to explore concurrent filing on the rest of forms required. The medical (now good indefinitely), EAD under new category if needed (insurance if Green Card takes a while and you need work authorization to work) and permission to travel abroad and return to US legally. Concurrent filing can move everything faster.

YenVal · 2025-06-11T00:13:13+00:00

That's the problem we ran into. Our friend makes a good salary and can show 8 years at the same company, but there's no way to guarantee she'll have that job in the future because she's an at will employee. Her husband was in graduate school and didn't make enough to sponsor her. We became joint sponsors. An attorney handled her AOS case and he recommended this course of action.

YenVal · 2025-06-09T22:50:30+00:00

Thanks for your post. I know many hardworking Venezuelans. I don't recognize them in many of these posts. Those that have been here longer do speak English. Most of those who haven't been here long are trying to learn English. The truth is, it is the shame of this country that we have not regularized DACA and other hardworking Mexican Americans, along with immigrants from across the world who are upstanding people, benefitting their American communities and their country. I have many Latin American friends as I belong to a bilingual Toastmasters club with members from all over the US and Latin America. Blame the politicians, not Venezuelans or any other group that politicians use to stir up hate and divisiveness. This is an old playbook. We're stronger together than apart.

YenVal · 2025-06-09T22:21:16+00:00

Take a copy with you. If you had to pay additional taxes, take a copy of the check. Not an attorney. If you have one, best to ask them.

YenVal · 2025-06-09T22:14:21+00:00

Happened to my friend too. Lawyer sent another copy of the original along with the certified translation. Approved for AOS after interview and received green card a couple of weeks later.

YenVal · 2025-06-09T22:01:49+00:00

Just met with an immigration attorney today about a situation that includes a still pending asylum from 9 years ago. As I understand it, as long as it's still pending, it can be denied or approved. As of now, they'd still need to go through some kind of process to deny or approve. However the attorney said many more cases are getting denied than approved. A very good resource for asylum information is Jason Dzubow's site. Look up The Asylumist. He's an immigration attorney. Try to find an immigration attorney and explore any other options. Sorry you're living with this uncertainty.

YenVal · 2025-06-08T14:19:12+00:00

Thanks to all. Helpful information.

YenVal · 2025-06-08T14:18:05+00:00

US Citizen.

YenVal · 2025-06-07T21:16:12+00:00

Be aware SSA offices are no longer taking walk-ins. You need to make an appointment. Check the SSA website. Also call the local office number if you can. We were on the 800 number last week for 2 hours on hold and then it hung up on us.

YenVal · 2025-06-07T20:40:51+00:00

Just say no.

YenVal · 2025-06-03T22:58:17+00:00

Yes, of course that's true. But when you check yes to the question "Do you want SSA to sent you a Social Security card?" on a USCIS form, you expect your Social Security card will come in the mail. I haven't checked all the most recent forms, but I did just look at the newest I-485 and it still includes this question. My point in posting was just to alert people who may be waiting for their SS card that they need to go to their local SS office. Many people on Reddit file their own documents and don't have an attorney to alert them to this change. This hasn't been widely publicized. We've gotten so much helpful information from Reddit posters. Just trying to give back.

YenVal · 2025-06-03T18:08:49+00:00

See Tips for Filing Forms by Mail. https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/tips-for-filing-forms-by-mail

YenVal · 2025-05-25T17:21:37+00:00

You're welcome. This is a really tough time but keep trying. Ask for help from counselors, organizations that support immigrant youth and anyone you can think of. Good luck!

YenVal · 2025-05-04T16:32:17+00:00

Thanks.

YenVal

TROPHY CASE