Shingletown, CA asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California

Q: If I have my name on the deed of the house and so does my grandma when my grandma passes away can my aunt take the home?

2 Lawyer Answers
James R. Dickinson
James R. Dickinson
Answered
  • San Bernardino, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: It would depend on how the home was held. If a property is held in joint tenancy, the decedent's share passes to the surviving joint tenant. This is known as the right of survivorship. If owners of the property hold title as tenants in common, then the decedent's share would pass in accordance with his or her estate plan, or if none, according to the law of intestacy. Speak with a local attorney. [I litigate cases. Anything posted here must not be construed as legal advice, nor as grounds for forming an attorney-client relationship. You should seek an attorney for formal legal advice and representation.]

Nina Whitehurst agrees with this answer

Howard E. Kane
PREMIUM
Howard E. Kane
Answered
  • Oakland, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: 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

Nina Whitehurst agrees with this answer

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.