Ask Sam:
Mike Wells is a frequent source for the Winston-Salem Journal’s “Ask SAM” column, which provides answers to questions from readers. He also writes regularly for the Journal’s Sunday business section. Here are some of his recent contributions.
Ask SAM: My friend is heir to an estate, but it’s been a long time since they heard anything
Question: I have a friend that was told, more than about 18 months ago, by a lawyer in Yadkin County that they were to inherit money from a relative. This has been way too long and they have still not heard when the money will be disbursed. The deceased owned a home,...
Ask SAM: How can we close on my mother’s estate when one of the heirs refuses to sign?
Question: My sister and I are co-executors for our mother’s estate. We are ready to close and have written checks to each heir, with a form from the clerk’s office to be signed stating that the check has been received. All have accepted, except one brother. He refused...
Ask SAM: Can we give the money from the sale of our church to our pastor as a retirement gift?
Question: Our church building is being sold and since we are a non-profit organization can we give the money from the sale of the building to our pastor as a retirement gift? — D.M. Answer: You can certainly give the pastor the proceeds of the sale, but there are a...