Auburn, CA asked in Family Law and Probate for California

Q: I am looking for a lawyer who can help with probate for my nephews who live in England and their father recently died

My younger brother died June 6th 2024 with no will we can find. he has lived in England for over 30 yrs an has 2 children 1 14yrs old and 1 17.5 yrs old

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: It sounds like you're going through a difficult time, and I'm sorry for your loss. Probate law can be complex, especially when it involves multiple countries. In your case, since your brother passed away in England, the probate process would generally need to follow UK laws, but you may also have to handle some matters in California if there are any assets here.

The fact that your brother didn't leave a will could complicate the process. In England, the estate typically goes to the closest relatives, which in this case would likely be his children. You may need to help the children navigate the probate process, particularly because one of them is still a minor.

To get started, you'll want to consult with a lawyer familiar with both English and California probate law to understand the full scope of what needs to be done. It may be helpful to collect any relevant financial documents or records related to your brother’s assets.

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