I have to agree with Janine on this one. There really isn't a way to stop the scammers from joining or rejoining under new names, for that matter, if they really want to do so. Having been hear on GW and the seed exchange for over 8 years now, I've seen a lot of various types of scammers join and rejoin, over and over again. Fortunately, there are far more "good, honest members" that really are here to be part of GW than there are scammers. I do think there are some things that all members can do though, that would help to limit people from joining to scam for seeds/plants and all of us that are honest can follow these suggestions and help to keep them away. Since the special instructions for the forum link at the top of the page has not worked in quite a few years, it is important to keep the thread that has been done on the first page for new members to see and hopefully read. Don't be afraid to bump it up to keep it on the first page. Newbies as well as oldies need to be reminded of the forum rules and by all members following the rules of the forum, it shows that members, good, honest members do follow the rules and are not afraid or above the fray to point out the rules to others and help to keep those forum rules followed. By doing this and having this attitude, it does help to show those that are thinking about or joining to scam others that they are being watched and members will speak up about their antics New members that post with what can be called "beggar posts", asking for seeds and offering to pay postage for them and have nothing to trade for those seeds need to be referred to the "special instructions for the seed exchange forum" thread and advised to read through the info on the thread, look for offers that are made by members that include such words as "free seeds, seeds for postage, BEAP seeds, SASBE, THERE SHOULD BE NO POSTINGS TO THESE POSTS TO SEND SEEDS, PLANTS OR ANYTHING ELSE WHEN THEY HAVE NOTHING TO TRADE. Remember that no one on the forum is required to trade with another member just because and offer or request for a trade has been posted, asked for etc. If one feels uncomfortable with the trade or something doesn't feel right about it, one can refuse to trade, ask another "oldie member" for some advise on the trade, or just say no to do the trade, or have the other member send their end of the trade first. Always check the rate and review forum before setting up the trade or even responding to the member for the trade. Always post to the rate and review forum after a trade, do so as soon as possible and post something good, bad, indifferent about the experience with that member. If that member has NO review thread started then go ahead and start one for that member, regardless of how the experience is. Also, if you were offering seeds for postage, etc and a member responded and all went well with that offer, then post a review about that member as well, even if it is a new member. The fact that the member responded to your offer for the seeds, followed through with the required things to get the seeds, says a lot about the member that is good and should be known about the person. Besides, being an oldie member that does a lot of free seeds for postage offers, you'd be surprised at how many members never follow through and send the necessary stuff for the seeds. It's also important to remember that sometimes, things just do happen and there are some really legitimate reasons why there are problems with trades that appear to have "gone bad" and they really haven't. Life does "get in the way" sometimes and it just can't be helped. The problems are when the "real scammers" are here and causing the problems and that does and will always happen no matter how hard we try to prevent it. That is why it is important to be aware of what goes on, read the rate and review forums, ask questions when needed, follow gut feelings when they occur and most of all remember, they are, in the end, just seeds, plants and postage and total hysteria over the scammers, which has happened with at least one member is not worth the headaches and grief that it causes one self. Yes, I've been scammed a couple of times over the years here, but at the same time, I have also learned that there are far more important things in life to be concerned with than a total melt down over being scammed. That's not to say it isn't upsetting and it doesn't get me angry, or angry to see the same members returning time and time again to rip off members, steal seeds and plants and just create total havoc on the forum. We need to watch out for each other on this forum and any other forum that we are part of, warn others when we suspect that a member that has a history of scamming has returned under a new name or we are sure that a member is scamming on the forum. But, setting up various "probation" type membership rules or something of that nature is just not something that is going to work and I doubt that GW would allow it anyways. It took us a long time to get the rate and review forum added to the site. It needs to be used far more frequently than it is though, by all members. Fran

Yah. Under the Napoleonic code only men could do anything. Just be glad someone along the way had a female in the family that they wanted to received property or money or it might still be that way. They are correct about debts poping up and the taxes. If you have not done so an estimate can be done by using the 2009 Federal tax forms. So far the rates will be the same for 2010 so would give you a rough estimate of taxes. The judge did a strange thing when we administered my dad's estate. We had also been conservators and guardians so that may have had something to do with it. He issued a statement in court that "no taxes would be do on the estate and if there were any problems to have the taxing authority to contact him". If you do go to the court for the final declaration be certain to listen carefully. I did not see where any taxes would be due because the state followed Federal guidlines but apparently the judge did.

The point I was trying to find out is whether he's dead or alive. It'll make a difference. As said, some counties record Wills and some don't. Ones that record them don't require a Will be recorded to be valid. If he's dead, I'd contact the Administrator of the estate or the attorney handling it. Sounds to me like he wants to get a copy of his still alive father and that's probably not going to be done through the court. Then he should ask his dad. Sorry, but here's another situation that's impossible to give much good advice without some information. Hope all works out. One question though, how do you send a "not to exceed $__" check? I've seen purchase orders handled in this manner all the time but in my state it's illegal to alter a check so they can't change an amount but I suppose you could put a statement in a memo, but I don't think a memo is enforceable. When I dealt with agencies they'd always give an estimate on the amount. For instance a trial transcript would be ordered, they'd estimate the transcript to be, for instance 100 pages at $1 per page so you'd pay $100 deposit and balance if there was any when it was prepared and ready to be picked up. I used to have all my checks printed with "Void after 90 days" printed on them but that too is dubious on enforcement. It would help for procrastinators though. They did cash them quicker!

If I were you, I think that, if it's not a major operation, I'd check the house to see whether it's in use. Do you know with whom the original deal was struck? It might be interesting to know whether whoever lives there now is the same people ... and if not, what transpired in the meantime. If you and your brother get along reasonably well, I think it best to talk to him about where things stand at present. If the house was actually sold, or a definite contract for such done while your mother was alive, it'll be binding in almost all cases - as long as the original contract is operational. But such a deal with a later buyer would likely not be, if it took place after your mother's death, I think that you'll find. The more precise information about the situation that you can present to the lawyer, and preferably in writing, for easy filing on his part, at your initial interview, the lower the (rather expensive) costs that you'll incur. Try to have some specific ideas of what you want to know, as well ... and the lawyer will have a number of things to suggest. Make a note of what they are: will he allow you to record your session, as there'll almost certainly be things that took place there that you need to know but will forget. If not, make a few notes while with him/her, and fill them out more completely immediately after the interview. Do you happen to know someone in your state who's been through a similar situation? It might be a good idea to encourage them to share some information with you (without offering more than rather sketchy information about your situation - enough to get the pump primed, shall we say - if that is your preference). ole joyful