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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello listmates, I’ve seen a lot of discussion lately about using rent as the “stick” to remove an unwanted child/beneficiary from the decedent’s home, but what about the opposite scenario? HC is the PR for his brother’s estate pursuant to a will naming him with non-intervention powers. Decedent had two adult sons who do not get along (hence the will that names HC as PR). Brother A lived in Dad’s house for several years taking care of Dad and the house, etc. Dad dies, and Brother A resides in the house <u>with the blessing of the PR</u> while it is being prepared for sale. Note that there was significant work performed by Brother A while he lived there post-death associated with clearing out and cleaning the home so it could be placed on the market. All told, Brother A lived in the home for less than 6 months following Dad’s death (the house has since sold and Brother A moved out in advance of the closing date). The PR feels that Brother A’s living in the home was a net benefit to the Estate due to the work he put in to get it ready for sale, etc., and therefore, PR has no interest in charging Brother A rent for his staying in the home. Brother B is demanding that the estate charge his brother rent and is threatening action if the PR declines to do so. Obviously, PR has a fiduciary duty to the estate and both beneficiaries, but does that mean that he is obligated to charge rent in this situation? Is it enough for PR to simply tell Brother B that, in his opinion, the benefit of the work Brother A put in was more valuable than any rent the Estate could have received?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Susan E. Spuller<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Attorney at Law<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Law Office of Paulette Peterson, PLLC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>710 Ericksen Ave NE, Suite 201<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bainbridge Island, WA 98110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>206.855.9293<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fax: 206.678.0105<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>We are committed to providing you with ongoing excellent service while protecting the health and safety of our clients and staff. Though we are open and accepting in-person consultations, we also offer appointments via telephone and videoconferencing. If you choose an in-person consultation, please know that we are taking all recommended precautions to maintain a healthy office environment. Regardless of how events evolve concerning COVID-19, we will continue to provide outstanding service in a socially responsible manner.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The information contained in this email is confidential and may also be attorney-client privileged. The information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please immediately notify me by replying to this email and delete the original. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>