Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Mississippi

What are the responsibilities of (step mother) holder of life estate?

To whom it may concern,

My sister and I retain the rights to my fathers home upon the death of our step mother. This was stated in the will and it did go through propate. The home needs a new roof, according to our step mother? She wants us to pay for it. Who is responsible for repairs such as this?

Thank You!


Asked on 10/20/03, 9:43 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Tad Morlan Tad K. Morlan, Attorney at Law

Re: What are the responsibilities of (step mother) holder of life estate?

A life estate holder should keep the property in good shape.

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Answered on 10/26/03, 6:26 pm
Austin Nimocks Austin R. Nimocks & Associates, P.L.L.C.

Re: What are the responsibilities of (step mother) holder of life estate?

If your step-mother has a life estate, the duty to pay will most likely be hers. Life tenants have duties to prevent "waste" to the property that they are able to occupy during their lifetime.

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Answered on 10/20/03, 11:18 am
Albert Pettigrew Law Offices Ph 228-875-8736

Re: What are the responsibilities of (step mother) holder of life estate?

If step-mother has a life estate, you will be responsible for that portion of the repair costs that can be allocated to repairs after the life estate ends. If your stepmother has a lease, it may obligate somebody to repair the roof. Otherwise, the full costs of repair are yours. You should consult with an attorney about your situation.

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Answered on 10/20/03, 11:36 am


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