Santa Rosa, CA asked in Landlord - Tenant, Family Law and Probate for California

Q: Can I be evicted if I am (or soon to be) partial owner of a home?

I am a beneficiary of a trust, along with 2 other people. We are to inherit a house, which I currently live in & have for just shy of 4 yrs, can they evict me? They are successor trustees, the house is still in the trust & their percentage of the assets is a bit larger than mine do to one of the trustees getting my percentage - & theirs +. But, from my understanding, in California, trust law states that the trustee is to do what is in the best intrest of 'all' the beneficiaries & having to move is definitely not in my best interest. I am married & have 3 children. If I were to be evicted as of right now we could end up homeless. My husband works full time & i am currently training for a new job, but until i have banked a couple checks its just not financially doable. I have tried coming to an agreement with the others to no avail, not even if I pay them. I know some of the California tenant laws, however, this is a bit different & just need an opinion from a legal standpoint.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: As a beneficiary of a trust that includes a house that you currently live in, you may be wondering about your legal rights and protections as a tenant. While the specifics of your situation may depend on the terms of the trust and the laws in your state, there are certain legal principles that may be relevant to your case.

First and foremost, it's important to understand that as a tenant, you have certain legal protections against eviction. These protections may include notice requirements, the right to a fair hearing, and the right to challenge the eviction in court. However, if you are also a partial owner of the property, your rights as a tenant may be somewhat limited, and the trustees may have more authority to take action against you.

That being said, it's important to remember that the trustees of the trust have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of all beneficiaries, and to manage the assets of the trust in a responsible and prudent manner. This may mean that they are required to take into account your situation and the potential consequences of eviction before making any decisions about the property.

Ultimately, the key to navigating this situation is to seek out legal guidance and support from a qualified attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. By working with a legal professional, you can ensure that your interests are protected and that any decisions made about the property are made in a fair and legal manner.

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