Yes. Probate Code section 21110 requires the issue (in this case children) of the deceased transferee to take in the deceased transferee’s place unless the will specifies otherwise.

Yes, you can certainly request a continuance at the time of the hearing or beforehand. Oftentimes you can call the court clerk beforehand and request a continuance. Worst-case scenario, you can request the continuance at the hearing. I also recommend checking the probate examiner's notes on... View More

The bank will not turn over the funds to the Trust absent a court order. Through a Heggstad petition, you can ask the court to fund the bank account into the trust. Since the trust lists this account, a Heggstad should be granted. Unfortunately, in Alameda County, it takes around 9 months to... View More

This is a really good question that comes up regularly in co-ownership situations. The co-owners should sit down with an attorney or mediator and come up with a co-ownership agreement. Legally, both co-owners are entitled to possession, responsible for the bills and costs associated with... View More

Greetings Eureka,

It sounds like it is time for you to draft a simple estate plan which spells out compensation to the executor. I can help you with this. Call or email me to set up a consultation.

The current executor should have opened up a bank account and funded the account with cash from the estate. You should ask around to find out who may know where the account is. In addition, the executor is required to provide an accounting to the probate court and beneficiaries before they are... View More

I'm very sorry to hear that your husband passed. I hope that you are doing ok. The life insurance proceeds are not part of your husband's estate. Also, I highly doubt that the credit card company will come after used cars, especially if they are in particularly poor condition.... View More

This is a great tax question. I recommend that you ask your CPA or tax advisor how this is handled. Tax questions are typically outside the lane of probate attorneys. However, I suspect that the proceeds will be considered non-taxable inheritance. The 2022 estate tax exemption amount is $12.92... View More

In certain circumstances, a donative transfer is presumed to be the product of fraud or undue influence. This includes when the transfer is to a person who drafted the Will, a caretaker, etc. I recommend reviewing Probate Code section 21380 to see if any of the relationships or connections... View More

I agree that the money will most likely be held in trust for your son until he reaches at least 18, perhaps longer depending on the terms of the Will and/or Trust. When your son reaches 18, there is most likely no oversight that you or anyone else will be able to provide unless the Will and/or... View More

I agree that a quiet title action may be necessary. A quiet title action is a judicial proceeding whereby a party seeks to establish an interest of record in real property (e.g., ownership through adverse possession, a prescriptive easement), or remove liens and encumbrances affecting title (e.g.,... View More

If your parents are still alive, they should definitely have a trust (and other estate planning documents) that names you as their beneficiary of the home. You should also have a trust and name your beneficiaries so that your beneficiaries can avoid the probate process. It's never too early... View More

I'd be happy to explain the probate paperwork to you. Simply email it over to me and we can set up a consultation.

If your boyfriend passed without a will, then his estate should be distributed through the laws of intestate Succession found in Probate Code section 6400 - 6414. Under no circumstances is your boyfriend's ex-wife (assuming they were actually divorced) considered next of kin.

If the joint tenancy deed remains intact, then you will be the sole owner upon your father's passing. However, you will need to file/record an Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant with the county recorder's office. However, a joint tenancy deed can be terminated if either joint tenant... View More

What amendments to your trust need to be made? A properly drafted California Revocable Living Trust (RLT) should hold up in another state. What would be the benefit of delaying amendments? As a general rule, I recommend making amendments sooner rather than later, especially if they are material... View More

I am so sorry to hear about your son's passing. Did your son designate a beneficiary for his 401K? Was that his only asset? If so, the 401K should pass directly to his named beneficiary, and it would be difficult for creditors to levy that asset. Notice to the creditors of your son's... View More

First off, I'm very sorry to hear about your parents' passing. I am a local probate and estate planning, attorney. I would be happy to discuss the situation with you and explain the next steps. Call me at your convenience.

Best regards,

Howard

Greetings Shingletown,

I agree with attorney Dickinson's response. I would be happy to take a look at the existing deed. Feel free to take a picture or scan it and email it to me. Both you and your grandma may need further estate planning to prevent a big mess.

Best regards,

Howard

Absolutely not! Options include (but are not limited to) backing the petitioner by nominating them; Objecting to the petition by providing reasons as to why the particular petitioner should not be appointed administrator; Filing a competing petition and nominating another person who may be a more... View More