An elderly relative of my wife, presently residing in NYC, owns 2 burial plots in Israel. It appears that he has changed his mind and wants to be buried in New York. His son-in-law, a guy you would be wary to shake hands with, handles the elder's financial affairs. This son-in-law, says that the Israeli plots can not be sold by the elder. My wife and I highly doubt the son-in-laws statement and think that after the elder passes away and is buried in New York (which the elder wants), that this son-in-law will sell the plots of the elder and keep the monies for himself. My wife has an interest in this because the elder is her father and he wants to live his remaining years with us in Florida. This son-in-law over the years has lived a wealthy life style, hardly working himself, using the old man's money. My wife's dad is a wonderful, well liked man, and we just want to see that he has appropriate care. The care he has gotten under his other son-in-law, is mostly neglect, and not wanting to spend any of the elder's money on the elder. Would appreciate your input Lou. Can my wife's dad legally sell the burial plots he owns in Israel?
If any other member from BBI has any info that can help us, we would appreciate it.
P.S. I'm retired and financially doing well so whatever money he has left will go for his use and later, if any funds are left, will be shared among family members who best can use it. Thanks to Lou and rest of BBI.
Have him write a will as detailed as he can, outlining his intentions for his estate and the burial plots and any other property he has in Israel. Then have the will translated to Hebrew through the Israeli Consulate in NY, and make sure a copy of that officially translated and notarized will gets into the hands of the company who manages the burial plots in Israel.
Sorry to hear you have a dog of an in-law to deal with, but that is the best way.
I might even be under estimating their value.
Without that knowledge it's tough to say, but a will is paramount. Also, if you should need an Israeli lawyer reach out, I have many that can handle or point you in the right direction.
because wife's brother-in-law tells the elder what to say and what to do, meanwhile neglecting many of his needs. It is a frustrating situation. Thanks and my appreciation to all.
As for the negligent son in law who controls pop's financial affairs, is it possible he actually does a good job of financial management of the estate, despite his penurious way regarding allowing the father to spend on himself?
Doesn't mean he's not looking for a larger payoff for his services, and is honest to the bone, but are you dealing with any real incompetency here on the part of your brother in law, or mental incompetency on the part of your wife's dad?
If the latter, and you're certain of it, perhaps legal steps can and should be taken to put your step dad's assets under your wife's care, and let her hire an asset manager other than the BIL?
Are you worried that would be insensitive to your FIL?
Family members can get very squirrelly around inheritances, and if you don't 100% trust your BIL, and he's currently handling pop's financial affairs, you can rest assured he'll at least worm himself into your dad's estate's executor, and that will give him plenty of license to finagle the estate's funds significantly in his own favor.
What does your wife's sister think about all this? Is she in the picture too?
Attention Avi: Thank you for your message. Got it on my iPhone and when I went to respond back to you lost your whole message. If possible please resend and address it to my e-mail at asteifman@aol.com
Lou: Knew I would get great advice from you. Can't thank you enough.
Everyone: Thank you.