mother

Q. I am a recently divorced 48-year-old woman with one son, aged 10. I earn $145,000 annually and was given the house — my principal residence — in the divorce…

“The only debts were utility and credit-card bills, which we will pay off.”

“By the time my mother died, the insurance company had paid out almost $600,000.”

“These shares are the only assets in her estate without designated beneficiaries.”

“She has contacted the mortgage company, but they will not discuss the mortgage.”

“The will stated that the estate was to be divided equally among her children.”

“I’m confident that I will never exceed the lifetime gift-tax exemption.”

“She chose a lovely man whose family has a history of remarkable longevity.”

“My parents have asked me to help them secure their assets when they pass on.”

“My mother has now hired an attorney to revise the trust and remove her late husband’s children as beneficiaries.”