Related to the thread on helping other hams' families deal with their stations after they go SK, there is an idea that I think I mentioned on the Reflector a couple of years ago, but which may be worth repeating given that the general subject has come up again. I have to begin but saying that, though a lawyer myself, I should not be understood as offering legal advice with the following note. I mention it only as something anyone interested might want to pursue with their own counsel.
Wills are complex instruments and, by themselves, sometimes cumbersome in dealing with personal property -- like amateur radio equipment -- that may change in shape and value over time. Amending a will can sometimes be a big, by which I mean costly, deal. In many states, if not most, there is another way. It's called various things in various places, though where I live it's called a Memorandum Disposition of Personal Property. It's a document that anyone can write, amend, tear up, whatever, at any time without going through the trouble of amending a will or a trust. If the Will correctly refers to it, the document becomes an effective way of directing the disposition of tangible personal property. Using the proper form at the outset I can describe what I want to have happen to my station, or any piece of it, in a simple document that alone can write. If the equipment list changes, and I want to change where the rest goes, I can change the Memorandum. No need to amend the Will or a testamentary trust. I should stop there, and say only that it's not widely known but t's worth looking into. Ted, KN1CBR ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
