Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Arkansas
Heirs versus widow
My father died May 1999. He had a settlement agreement with his former employer. He had listed me and my three sisters as heirs to this settlement. His wife of three years received the paperwork for payment of the settlement. She has asked me and my sisters to sign over our rights to the settlement to her and save her going to probate court so she can get the settlement. This is a settlement with Reynolds Metals regarding asbestos that will be paid out over several years.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Heirs versus widow
DON'T SIGN IT. You and your sisters should deal directly with the company who is handling this settlement. They will tell you what you need to do to collect this. If you sign over your rights to your step-mother, you have done just that. No guarantee that you will see any of that settlement. Your father wanted you and your sisters to have that settlement so be sure it happens that way. Good Luck.
Re: Heirs versus widow
Without seeing the settlement agreement and related documents, and without knowing whether there was a will, I cannot give you a firm answer. I can say that in general a settlement, which is a contract, executed during life could well control the disposition of assets upon death. You should contact Reynolds directly and not sign anything until a lawyer reviews your situation.
Clark Evans
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