Q: I am an only child. When my dad was ill some friends of his moved him to a location and would not tell me. They manage
to get his home vehicles and money. My father and me were off and on my entire life . When he passed away no one contacted me even when they knew how. The put the death notice in some little itty bitty paper i did not even know he passed and of course when i was looking for him no one would tell me anything. I am his only heir and they knew my dad loved me they hid him in some home because i told my father he could return to his own home and i would take care of him. They wanted his house. He had mentioned they did and told him he should because of all they do for him. I know they got that house and never paid a cent for it just as i know they never paid him for the cars. I should have been notified of his death i didnt get to have services and they have dumped his ashes along with my step mothers in some river. I am clueless as to how to obtain what they were to pay and in regaurd to hiding him and his death
A:
Dear Bakersfield:
I suggest that you speak with an attorney about this issue as soon as possible. The potential claims you have against others all have a time limit to them. And, our matter is a bit more complex than this simple forum allows for an answer.
But, to make your visit more productive, here is some information and ideas of where you can find information.
Depending on the situation, a probate might have been opened. You can find information about the probate most likely in the county where your father lived as of the date of his death. Most county courts have an online database (register of actions) that you can search for free or a small fee. The Probate Code requires that all heirs and beneficiaries, even if you are not named in the decedent's will, receive a notice of probate.
You might also wish to look at the title history for his house. You can do this by looking at the grantor/grantee database at the county recorder's office in the county where the home was located. You will want to look at Deeds (not Deeds of Trust). This might tell you if there was a trust involved.
You might also wish to get a copy of his death certificate. This can be obtained at the county recorder's office of the county where he died.
If you are able to collect this information, an attorney can better assist you. And, if you do not know where to find an attorney, I would try your local county bar associations. Most provide an attorney referral service that matches you with an attorney who provides a free or low cost consultation.
Best of luck!
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