DEAR BOB: My mother died about two years ago. Her will left everything to my sister and me equally. I was living with my mom when she died of cancer, so my sister has allowed me to live in the house if I pay the property taxes and insurance. There is no mortgage. The house is worth around $400,000. Now my sister thinks we should sell the house, but I don't want to sell, as I am very satisfied with the status quo. Can my sister force me to sell? --Naomi N.

DEAR NAOMI: Yes. As a co-owner, your sister can bring a partition lawsuit to force the sale of the house.  more...

The two major living-trust purposes are to (a) avoid probate costs and delays for your heirs after you die, and (b) management of your living-trust assets by your successor trustee if you become incapacitated, such as by a severe stroke or Alzheimer's disease.

A living trust is "funded" by transferring title for your real estate and other major assets, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc., into your living trust to hold title within the trust.  more...