B12
JUNE 29, 2012
THE COAST NEWS
Musician Morrin stars in benefit concert PET OFTHE WEEK CARLSBAD — The Museum of Making Music is raising funds to support arts in schools through its “Jazzed!” benefit for music education concert featuring local, accomplished musician Chase Morrin at 6 p.m. July 7 at 5790
Armada Drive. Through this museumschool partnership with Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School, the Museum of Making Music introduces more than 800 students each year to music history, theory
and a variety of musical instruments. The evening includes a wine and cheese reception, testimonials from music educators and students, and a special performance by Morrin, a graduate of Canyon Crest Academy, who discovered music at a young age and is now a pianist attending Harvard and the New England Conservatory. Tickets are $35 for general admission; $30 for museum members. For more information and to purchase tickets, v i s i t MuseumofMakingMusic.org or call (760) 438-5996. Those unable to attend the concert can still support the museumschool partnership by making
an online donation at MuseumofMakingMusic.org. “At the Museum of Making Music, we have the great benefit of having a wealth of music history and access to a vast array of instruments. Through the Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School partnership, we are able to share all of this with students through overseeing projects, providing an inspiring teacher, and giving students access to our instrument collections,” said Carolyn Grant, executive director at the Museum of Making Music. “This benefit concert will allow us to continue giving back to students in every way possible and introduce a new generation to the joy of music.”
Meatball is a 1 and 1/2-year-old, 59-pound, neutered, male, American bulldog/ American Staffordshire terrier mix. As with many white dogs, Meatball is deaf. His adoption fee is $125. Round like a meatball ... but with the weight ... and sometimes the speed of several bowling balls. He’s going to do best with an active family that either has experience with a deaf dog, or is willing to learn doggie sign language. For more informa-
tion, call (760) 753-6413, log on to sdpets.org, or visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas. Kennels are open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Monday.
Seek advice before transferring house BRUCE WILLIAMS Smart Money
with it. Now we have parted ways, having never gotten married. We decided that he would live in the house and be responsible for all the payments and costs associated with the house. I signed a writ of deed. What exactly does signing a writ of deed exclude me from as far as responsibility? I have not contributed to the house in any way since I moved out. What rights do I have, and what demands can I make as far as getting my name off of the loan without paying exorbitant fees? — Reader, via email DEAR READER: I have commented so often on why I think it is incredibly foolish for people who are not married to enter into agreements to purchase real estate, which is what this sounds like. Furthermore, I am not at all sure what a “writ of deed” is. Whether or not you signed a quitclaim deed, I have no way of knowing. The whole question revolves around legal obligations, responsibilities and rights. Given that, does it make any sense to try to sort this out without the services of an attorney? I think not. You should have had this legal consultation before you signed or did anything. It’s too late to go backward, but it is not too late to keep from making what could be costly errors. I urge you to seek counsel. The Bruce Williams Radio Show can now be heard 24/7 via iTunes and at taeradio.com.
DEAR BRUCE: My husband recently died. I would like to get my husband’s name removed from the home and add my daughter’s name with me retaining rights, with one caveat. I would like for it to specify somewhere that if she and her husband divorce, he could not have any claim on the house. What is the best way to go about this that will cause the fewest problems? — Reader, via email DEAR READER: Let me emphasize that the most important thing here is for you to consult an attorney. He or she can tell you how to accomplish the things you are trying to do. You may be trying to preserve your estate in the event that you require some type of intensive care under a program such as Medicaid, where the money would have to be repaid. While I can understand the motivation, it’s my view that your assets should remain in your name, and that whatever is left after your obligations are met should then be distributed to your heirs. You might wish to put your home into a trust that names your daughter as the beneficiary. In my opinion, however, transferring it to her in all likelihood would be a mistake. DEAR BRUCE: Several years ago, my fiance purchased a home. He put up the Send questions to Smart Money, P.O. money for the down payment Box 503, Elfers, FL 34680, or e-mail and other fees associated them to bruce@brucewilliams.com. .