San Francisco, CA asked in Estate Planning for California

Q: My stepdad passed away, he has a will. The estate lawyer wants to meet my mother to go over things, is that still needed

The lawyer wants to go over materials things, as well as discuss any contents my mother had with my stepdad while he was alive (verbal discussions); will that hurt her (in terms of what she will be getting)? She hasn't seen any copies of the will/trust and I am afraid what she says might do that. I will be there with my mother - are there other things I should be aware of? Thank you!

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: Hello, It will not be harmful, but helpful in getting your step dad's estate distributed. It is normal to have an attorney assist with the trust administration as there are many responsibilities for the successor Trustee.

A: There are a number of tasks that must be done after someone passes away, including a formal written notice that must be sent to beneficiaries with specific legal language. Most people do not know what to write or to whom the notice must go. Lawyers can tell your mother all of the tasks she must do, as well as guide her, if she wants the assistance. It's a normal part of the process.

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