Aliso Viejo, CA asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California

Q: How can I find out if someone has stolen my inheritance, might have been from a life insurance policy and estate too.

Could be from mother’s death. However there’s talk that my mother cheated on my dad, so I don’t know who my biological father was.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In California, to determine if someone has taken your rightful inheritance, you should first obtain copies of any wills, trusts, and life insurance policies that may have named you as a beneficiary. This can be done by requesting these documents from the estate executor or the insurance company.

If your mother was married at the time of her death, her spouse might have had certain rights to her estate, but this does not automatically exclude you as a beneficiary. However, if there are questions about paternity, you may need to establish your biological relationship to claim an inheritance.

In cases of suspected inheritance theft or mismanagement, it's advisable to consult an attorney who is experienced in estate and probate law. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of contesting a will or trust, if necessary.

Remember, estate laws can be complex, and each situation is unique. Legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances can help you navigate this challenging situation and protect your rights.

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.