Reno, NV asked in Probate for California

Q: My mother added my brother as owner of her property. Does it go to him at her death?

My mother passed. Recently she added my brother as joint owner of her property as I confirmed with the county assessor. I am not sure if they contacted the mortgage lender to add him on the loan as he is unemployed and I doubt would qualify. If there is no will or trust does the entire property go to him or do my sister and I receive a 1/3 of my mothers half? The estate is in California.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Gerald Barry Dorfman
Gerald Barry Dorfman
Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Mill Valley, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If he was added as "joint tenants", he gets it all. If he was added as "tenants in common", you and your sister get 1/3 of her half (probate likely required). If he was listed as "transfer on death", he gets it all. This assumes you, your sister and your brother are the only heirs.

James Edward Berge agrees with this answer

Genene N. Dunn
PREMIUM
Genene N. Dunn
Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Tustin, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If title is held as joint tenants then he gets the entire property. The loan doesn't matter for who inherits, it is title that rules. If title does not specify that they hold the property as joint tenants then it most likely will be 50/50 and you would share in your mother's half.

James Edward Berge agrees with this answer

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