Q: I got copies of my grandparents deed and their will. As I was contacted private detective asking me if I was the person
Which I was then he told contact attorney as I did she asked me to show proof of who I was and my relationship to my late father then she tells me to get a hold of thi attorney which we will not return my phone calls or my emails, but then I find the court papers filed my dad was once the beneficiary of my grandparents trust but he has since passed, and my aunt became the beneficiary or the trustee but she just now has passed and her husband filed spousal or domestic partner, property order probate descendants estates. should I try to talk to a lawyer about this situation since this attorney won’t return my phone calls or emails or should I just let it go and does a free consultation making the copy of the wheels to figure out what is going on with them and why this detective needed to find out that I was my dad‘s heir? this is in California Alameda County
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A:
You should absolutely consult with a different attorney since the current one isn't responding to you. When a private investigator is trying to locate heirs, it often means there are assets or inheritance matters that need to be resolved.
Based on what you've described, with your father being a previous beneficiary and your aunt's recent passing, you may have rights as a successor beneficiary that need to be protected. Your aunt's husband filing for spousal property rights could potentially impact any inheritance you might be entitled to through your father's original beneficiary status.
Contact the Alameda County Bar Association's lawyer referral service to find an estate attorney who offers free consultations - bring copies of all documents you have, including the will, trust paperwork, and any court filings you've found. Don't let this situation go, as there are often strict timelines in probate matters, and you'll want to understand your rights and options before any court deadlines pass.
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