Protecting an Inheritance in New Mexico: What to Do If a Family Member Contests an Estate
Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed New Mexico probate attorney. Overview: How inheritance contests usually work in New Mexico When someone challenges a will or the administration of an estate in New Mexico, the dispute is handled in the probate […]
Read article →How to Be Appointed Administrator of Your Sister’s Estate in New Mexico
Getting Appointed Administrator of Your Sister’s Estate in New Mexico Short answer: If your sister died without a will (intestate), you can ask the probate court in the county where she lived to appoint you as the personal representative (sometimes called administrator). You must file a petition, notify heirs and creditors, meet the court’s qualifications, […]
Read article →Notifying Heirs When Opening Probate in New Mexico: What Notices You Must Send
Who must be notified when you open probate in New Mexico? This FAQ-style guide explains, in plain language, the kinds of notices people typically must send when they open a probate case in New Mexico. It focuses on who gets notice, common methods of delivery, and practical steps to make sure heirs and interested parties […]
Read article →Selling a Home with a Reverse Mortgage in New Mexico: When the Lender Wants Renunciation Letters
Can the house be sold when the reverse mortgage servicer requests renunciation letters? Short answer: Yes — but you must establish authority to sell (letters testamentary/administration, court order, or an agreement by all heirs). If the servicer asks for renunciation letters, you can either obtain those from heirs, provide court-issued authority to sell, or work […]
Read article →New Mexico: What to Do If an Heir (Uncle) Refuses to Sign a Renunciation so You Can Serve as Personal Representative
When an Heir Refuses to Renounce: How to Move Forward in New Mexico Probate Short answer: Try to get a voluntary written renunciation or refusal; if that fails, you can ask the probate court to appoint you by showing the heir is unwilling or disqualified, or use alternative procedures (small‑estate, testimony, or petition to the […]
Read article →Including an Out‑of‑State House in Your New Mexico Will: Key Steps and Considerations
Including Real Property Located in Another State When You Make a New Mexico Will Short answer: You can dispose of a house located outside New Mexico in a New Mexico will, but the laws of the state where the house sits will control how title passes after your death. Expect that an estate proceeding (often […]
Read article →First Steps to Find Who Owns a Portion of Family Land — New Mexico
How to Start Determining Legal Ownership of a Portion of Family Land in New Mexico Short answer: The first practical step is a title search — check recorded deeds, probate records, and county property records to trace the chain of title. If records are unclear, get a survey and talk to a New Mexico real […]
Read article →What Happens to Joint Bank Accounts and Property When Someone Dies Without a Will in New Mexico?
What Survivors Need to Know About Joint Accounts and Property After a Death in New Mexico This FAQ-style guide explains how jointly held bank accounts and property are treated when someone dies without a will in New Mexico. It uses plain language, short hypotheticals, and links to official New Mexico resources. This is educational information […]
Read article →Reimbursable Estate Property Maintenance Expenses in New Mexico
Detailed Answer When you are handling an estate in New Mexico, certain costs you pay to preserve or prepare estate property for sale can usually be reimbursed from estate funds. These are treated as administration expenses and generally have priority over distributions to heirs or beneficiaries. The key rules to keep in mind are: expenses […]
Read article →How to Be Appointed an Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator in New Mexico
What to expect when seeking appointment as an estate personal representative in New Mexico Detailed Answer This section explains, in plain language, the usual steps someone follows to be appointed as a personal representative (often called an administrator when there is no valid will) or as a co-personal representative under New Mexico law. This is […]
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