Q: This pertains to California Probate Law and co-executors of a Will
My relative named co-executors on a joint Will with his wife. He named my father or his appointee and another relative on his wife's side to be co-executors. This issue now is that my father passed prior to my relative and his wife and there was no other appointee named by my father. We know that the intention was for me to be the appointee but as of now, the other co-executor wants to handle everything on their own as the surviving executor and plans to file probate as such. The other beneficiaries do not think this person would be looking after their best interests and would like me to serve as a co-executor to make sure things are handled properly. Can this be challenged or would the court just go ahead and appoint the remaining executor if they went ahead and filed for probate on their own?
A: My condolences for your loss. It would be wise to seek local probate counsel to assist in evaluating the document(s) and all of the specific details. The Will language may define what happens if no appointee is named. People attempt to challenge Wills all the time; however, that doesn't mean they will succeed. Therefore, having experienced counsel is important for making an educated decision.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
