Protecting an Inheritance in California When a Family Member Contests an Estate
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For guidance about your specific situation, talk to a California probate or estate litigation attorney. Detailed Answer When a family member contests an estate in California, acting quickly and strategically can preserve your inheritance. Below is a practical, step‑by‑step explanation of how […]
Read article →How to Get Appointed Administrator of a Sister’s Estate in California (Intestate)
Disclaimer: This is educational information, not legal advice. For legal advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed California probate attorney. Detailed Answer If your sister died without a will and her assets require probate, a court-appointed administrator (sometimes called a personal representative) will manage the estate. In California, the probate process and who may […]
Read article →California: Notices to Send to Heirs When Opening Probate
Notices to Send to Heirs and Interested Persons When Opening Probate in California Short answer: When you open probate in California you must notify all “interested persons” (heirs, beneficiaries, and others with a stake in the estate) about the petition and the probate hearing. You must also publish and mail notices to notify unknown or […]
Read article →California: Finalizing Probate When a Will Is Outdated and Getting Authority to Sell Estate Property
Finalizing probate when the will is outdated and getting authority to sell estate property (California) Short answer: Determine which document is the decedent’s legally valid last will (or whether intestacy rules apply), open probate (or determine that probate is not needed), obtain Letters (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration) from the probate court, and then […]
Read article →California: Selling a Parent's House When the Reverse Mortgage Lender Requests Renunciation Letters
Short answer You can usually sell a property that has a reverse mortgage after the borrower dies, but you must first establish who has legal authority to act for the estate or property. Lenders ask for "renunciation" or similar documents to reduce the risk of competing claims. Do not sign a renunciation that gives up […]
Read article →California Probate: When a Relative Refuses to Renounce Appointment as Personal Representative
How to proceed when a relative refuses to sign a renunciation for appointment as personal representative Short answer: In California you have several options if a person who has priority to be appointed (your uncle in this situation) refuses to sign a written renunciation. You can try to persuade the person to sign, petition the […]
Read article →California: How to Include an Out-of-State House in Your Will
Including Real Property Located in Another State When You Make a California Will Detailed answer: how California wills treat out-of-state houses This guide explains, in plain language, what you need to do if you own a house located in a state other than California and want that house dealt with by a California will. It […]
Read article →First steps to confirm property ownership in California
How to start confirming who legally owns a portion of your grandfather’s land — California Short answer: The first practical step under California law is to locate the property’s identifying information (parcel number or legal description) and then search the county recorder’s and assessor’s public records for recorded deeds, easements, and tax records. Those public […]
Read article →California: Challenging Transfers Made Under a Power of Attorney When Capacity Is in Question
Disclaimer: This is educational information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For decisions about your situation, consult a California attorney promptly. Detailed Answer If you suspect your grandfather lacked capacity when transfers were made under a power of attorney (POA), you can often challenge those transfers in California. The key issues are (1) […]
Read article →California: What Happens to Jointly Held Bank Accounts and Property When Someone Dies Without a Will
How jointly held bank accounts and property pass after a death without a will in California Disclaimer: This is general information and not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed California attorney. Detailed answer — what typically happens under California law When someone dies without a will in California, how a […]
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