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Questions Answered by Howard E. Kane
2 Answers | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: My aunt filed a joint tenant affidavit with out any one knowing now she trying to sell the home what can I do

The house was given to my mother from my grandfather and after she passed away instead of her husband or children inheritance her siblings said it was now all of there's and they filed a joint tenant affidavit but they don't live at the house I do. They haven't paid any taxes on the... View More

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on Oct 24, 2024

If the house was properly deeded to your mother, then the house remains in her estate. If your mother did not have a Trust or pay on death Deed, then title to the property must be cleared up through the probate process in Riverside if Riverside is where your mom resided at the time she passed. I... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: I would like to take adverse possession of an abandoned property. Where should I start as far as legal process goes?

The neighbors cut my locks and relocked the gate that I used to gain entry. I had documented the adverse possession sign that I posted before then and I documented the conditions of the property. The house has been abandoned over 20 years and the neighbors dont believe I have the right to be there.... View More

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on Oct 1, 2024

Since the previous owner is deceased, you will need to sue the estate of the decedent for adverse possession. Hence, the first step should be to petition the probate court to appoint an administrator of the decedent's estate. Once an administrator is appointed, you can then proceed with an... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: Does a decedent's fiancée (not a registered domestic partner or married) have a chance at receiving any Estate?

Specifically, in a scenario where the decedent left no will and had an estate of less than $184,500, am I understanding correctly that anyone can submit the Affidavit to become Administrator under CALIFORNIA PROBATE CODE SECTIONS 13100-13106? If the fiancée of the decedent submitted such an... View More

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on May 31, 2024

Any interested person can become the administrator of a probate estate if nobody objects. However, non-family members have no right to inherit probate property. Keep in mind that an affidavit to obtain probate property for an estate worth less than $184,500 does not involve the court and does not... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: DISCLOSURE OF RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FIDUCIARY, ATTORNEYS, AND OTHER AGENTS HIRED BY FIDUCIARY

"Petitioner has no personal, financial or other relationship with attorneys or other agents hired by the petitioner"

Is it correct to leave out this section on a Petition for Final Distribution if petitioner is acting in Pro Per?

Thank you.

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on May 8, 2024

This paragraph should be included in the Petition for Final Distribution. In the alternative, you should describe your relationship with those hired by you. For instance, if family members cleaned out and hauled debris from the probate property and you paid them, then this relationship should be... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: I have letters of admission limited powers for my mom's estate. Can I have the deed transfered to me? I'm her son

There are no other persons or debtors .

I live in her home and need to get the taxes at the assesser office in my name but I must be on the deed to her home.

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on Dec 1, 2023

The transfer is accomplished via court Order, not by a Deed. So no, you cannot transfer the property to yourself. Once all procedural requirements have been met, including the preparation and filing of an Inventory and Appraisal, you or your representative will file with the court a Petition for... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: My uncle passed away and his house is in probate, I petitioned for letters of administration

My court date isnt for 2 more months, the issue is when my uncle passed he had a tenant whose rental agreement was up and he was not going to renew it and a freeloader who my uncle had told he had 30 days to get out. How do i get them out as fast as possible. They are destroying the property, they... View More

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on Nov 14, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your uncle passing and the freeloading tenant. I recommend hiring an attorney who may do the following: Secure Letters of Special Adminstration, which will expire when you are appointed Administrator. The petition for special administration should include special... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: In California, which form do you use to respond to a Petition for Instructions in a probate case?

Trustee has filed a Petition for Instructions and I would like to respond to this request

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on Oct 8, 2024

I agree with the answers posted, however, the Response should be Verified which is a specific typed Verification paragraph that is signed under penalty of perjury and attached as the last page of the Response. You can locate a sample Verification on most court websites. Good luck with this.

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: I need help getting my inheritance from my half sister with no money down.

I need someone to help me get my inheritance from my half sister asap with no money down.

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on May 31, 2024

I may be able to assist you. Call me to see how I may be able to assist.

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3 Answers | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: If the decedent lives you everything including house and contents do you have to file probate and you are the only famil

Member alive

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on May 28, 2024

If the decedent left you the property through a living trust, then you may not need to file a probate petition. If the property was left to you via a Will, then you most likely need to file a probate petition.

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: Can I sell a vehicle before probate

Estate valued at approximately $400K.

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on Nov 30, 2023

If the vehicle is in the name of the decedent, then you need to wait until you are appointed administrator of the estate. Good luck with this.

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: How can I file with probate 6541
Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on Oct 26, 2023

Per Probate Code section 6541, the court may grant or modify a family allowance on petition of any interested person. This can be done ex parte or via a regularly noticed petition, depending on whether or not an Inventory and Appraisal has been filed. In short, like most requests to the probate... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: I am beneficiary of my mother's bank account. She died without a will. Her assets are less than 185000. My sister took

Car w/o my knowledge or consent. From my research since there is no will beneficiaries pass probate and become owner of her property. True or not?

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on Sep 18, 2023

The cash in the bank should be obtained via the small estate affidavit process described by attorney Whitehurst. The vehicle requires different paperwork which gets submitted to the DMV:

An Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate California Titled Vehicle or Vessels Only (REG 5) form may be...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: Successor Trustee/Fiduciary Duties for a Home in Need of Renovation but No Liquid Cash in the Estate?

I have sole successor trustee/fiduciary duty for my late grandparents' estate and they have a vacation home that I have to sell. Unfortunately the place was recently trashed by an unscrupulous family member who also happens to be one of two other beneficiaries including myself.

I was... View More

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on Sep 13, 2023

Hello. I am a probate attorney and licensed real estate broker. Oftentimes realtors can obtain financing through their company to handle renovations. I recommend calling around to local companies to see who may be able to assist with financing the repairs and renovations.

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: Using the state provided DE-121 PDF form, I can't get all the AKAs in the "Estate of" box. The judge said fix it. How?

The PDF does not let you alter the type size or add a second line. Same problem with all the state PDFs.

Howard E. Kane
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Howard E. Kane
answered on Aug 28, 2023

I recommend using free online pdf editing software such as DocHub. This will allow you to change the font and crunch all of the aka names in. Good luck with this.

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: My father recently died. He and my stepmother and are the settlors of their revocable trust. Am I, as his child,

entitled to a copy of the trust if my stepmother is still alive? My stepmother also mentioned I am a co-trustee. I have not received a copy of the trust.

Howard E. Kane
PREMIUM
Howard E. Kane
answered on Aug 10, 2023

Under California law (Probate Code section 16061.7) every trust beneficiary, and every heir-at-law of the decedent, is entitled to receive a copy of the trust document. However, the beneficiaries only have the right to obtain a copy of the trust when their rights have vested. The beneficiary’s... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: My sister passed away about 3 years ago she didn't have a will and me and my sisters are trying to get her property and

And check her bank account

Howard E. Kane
PREMIUM
Howard E. Kane
answered on Aug 1, 2023

There are various options to securing your sister's property, depending on the value. If you are attempting simply to get any cash that may be left in her bank account, then you can possibly use an Affidavit which an attorney or possibly the bank can provide you. If your sister's estate... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Probate for California on
Q: Gym owner refuses to refund estate money debited since death

I am administering a small estate but the process to gain papers took longer than expected and since then, the gym of deceased automatically debited their account for close to $1K. Now I have sent a demand letter for return of the refund but the owner has refused to refund to the estate and instead... View More

Howard E. Kane
PREMIUM
Howard E. Kane
answered on May 18, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the jerk around. As the administrator of the estate, you can file a small claims case to recover the money. That is the only recourse I can think of. Best of luck with this.

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: My mother passed away with no will only her name was on house deed,my sisters and I notorized a the estate of Geraldine

I am a descendent ,after notorizing form it states,assignment of interest with my name under it ,that the only form we signed. Can I revoke it and keep house myself ,I do have my mom on video saying she wanted me to have it after her passing ,just found the video

Howard E. Kane
PREMIUM
Howard E. Kane
answered on May 16, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your mom passing. I'm sure this is a difficult time for you. If I understand correctly, your mom passed and she owned a home in her name. There is no written Will or Trust. If this is the case, then the home needs to go through the probate process for it to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Need a estate answer ,I live in ca

My mother passed away 4yrs ago ,she did not leave a will ,my sisters and I are in our late 60’s,so we decided to notarize forms to give house to grandson’s,I have changed my mind can I revoke the for ,me and my sisters we’re not on house deed only my mother

Howard E. Kane
PREMIUM
Howard E. Kane
answered on May 16, 2023

I agree with attorney Julie King. You should take advantage of a free consultation and discuss the situation more thoroughly with an attorney. You should provide copies of all relevant documents via email so that this can be carefully evaluated. I suspect that the notarized document can be... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: If family failed to go to probate and I took over the mortgage who's property is it now? I've paid on it the last 5years

The seller does not want to put the papers in my name but she takes my payment every month. And I pay the taxes yearly.

Howard E. Kane
PREMIUM
Howard E. Kane
answered on May 16, 2023

The property belongs to the probate estate, however, you can and should submit a Creditor's Claim to the personal representative on the proper judicial council form. The Personal Representative will have the opportunity to either consent or object to the creditor's claim. If they object,... View More

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