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California Estate Planning Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: A friend of mine passed away and in his will he stated he was giving me the home that he owns if his will has his signat

Has his signature and my signature before he passed giving me the title to the house is the house can be legally mine if it states do as you need sell it to your behalf or whatever you need to do to maintain this property cuz he can no longer maintain it and he is the last of kin legally is that... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jul 27, 2023

Just taking care of a home does not give anyone rights in the property -- other than the right to be paid if the worker was hired by someone else. Otherwise, if people could care for a home and automatically get ownership rights, every caretaker of every home would be very rich! If your friend had... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: do a last will and testament and irrevocable trust dated the date does one cancel out the other? so confusing

dated the same date Last will and Testament and irrevocable trust does one cancel out the other,

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Jul 26, 2023

No, a trust and a will do not cancel each other out. The will governs the probate estate, and the trust governs the trust estate.

You will need to determine what is owned by the trust and what makes up the probate estate by checking to see how things are titled. Also look for bills of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: trust administration

have a last will of testament and irrevocable trust dated the same date

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 26, 2023

Given the complexity and legal implications involved in trust administration and dealing with a last will and irrevocable trust, I strongly recommend that the person involved should consult with a qualified attorney in California. Speaking with an attorney will ensure they receive accurate and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Estate Planning for California on
Q: If my friend put in his will I can stay on his property.what does that mean legally?

His kids are trying to sale property And I have know clue where I stand legally.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 25, 2023

If your friend put in his will that you can stay on his property, it likely means that he intended for you to have the right to reside on the property after his passing. However, to understand your legal rights and the enforceability of the provision, you would need to review the specific language... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Claiming a body for cremation by a family member who is now refusing to give the ashes to the father

My son, who was 34, died. My brother knew where I was but did not contact me instead He contacted my ex, who walked out on us when my son was nine months old due to drug addiction and gave my brother custody or next of kin to claim his body. Once he got the rights he cremated my son but is now... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2023

I'm sorry for your loss and the difficult situation you are facing. In California, the right to control the disposition of a deceased person's remains generally falls to the deceased person's next of kin. If you are the biological parent of your son, you may have the right to claim... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Business Formation for California on
Q: Best Holding LLC structure(pref. NV) if property in CA but reside in Virginia?

Looking for the best way to structure a Holding company LLC is i currently reside in Virginia for the moment but also have property in CA, but in the future want to open different LLC subsidiaries.

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jul 18, 2023

The answer to your question really depends on your goals. If you want a number of subsidiaries, you may want to form an S Corporation. But most people who set up an entity for the sole purpose of holding real estate will use an LLC. You should contact a California lawyer and give them more... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: California will states "I give all my probate estate, excluding any property over which I have a power of appointment,"

California will states "I give all my probate estate, excluding any property over which I have a power of appointment, after expenses and taxes are paid under this Will, to the then-acting trustee of the John Doe Living Trust and executed before this Will, to be added to the property of that... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Jul 18, 2023

A power of appointment is a power to designate beneficiaries for assets owned by someone else. Often it must be exercised within the power holder's own will, but not always. If the will does not mention the exercise of a power of appointment, then chances are it does not exist or if it did... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Adopted children part of probate. How to get the court to have them prove it!

I am an heir to my fathers probate, no will. I have two blood sisters that are also heirs. My father remarried and the new wife had quite a few kids. There are two other people listed on my fathers probate as “adopted children”. My father never told me he adopted these two people. My question... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jul 16, 2023

The first thing you may want to try is going to the courthouse in the County where your father and his wife lived, and search the case files on the court’s database to see if there is an adoption case in your step-siblings’ names. Some courts’ records are online and others have an app, so you... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: I am listed on a trust. The house in trust was sold without my knowledge for 375k. Trustor offed me 75k after the fact.

Looking up probate attorneys, I'm not finding many that fight against an obvious breach of fiduciary duty. Is there a specialized area that I need to search?

Gerald Barry Dorfman
Gerald Barry Dorfman
answered on Jul 14, 2023

There is a subset of probate/trust attorneys that take on litigated matters. If the probate attorneys you are contacting do not litigate, many will be able to refer you to someone who does. Whether an attorney will take your matter on a contingency basis is another story. Many more will be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: My sister passed,and left me as POA of her financial affairs,which I know she had more accounts than what is being reco

What do I need to do first I'm at a loss

I'm reg ,to do business w the state but I'm completely lost

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 13, 2023

I'm sorry for your loss. As the designated Power of Attorney (POA) for your sister's financial affairs, it is important to follow certain steps. First, gather all relevant documents, such as her will, trust, and financial records. Contact her attorney, if she had one, to seek guidance on... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: My childs mother (non custodial) recently died. Brother of deceased has taken all belongings + car. Can he do that?
Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Jul 10, 2023

Your question cannot be answered without knowing the age of the child and whether the deceased mother had a will or died without a will. Maybe repost your question with that additional information.

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: have copy of my grandfathers will testamentary. Trust and I am a beneficiary. The will is lost or it’s being hidden.

What happens if the original copy of the will is not found and does that mean my share of inheritance is lost and do I have power over my share even if the court does not approve the will. My family all my uncles are trying to transfer everything to my grandmothers name so do I still have power to... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 7, 2023

if the original copy of a will is lost or cannot be located, it may be possible to establish the validity of the will through other means, such as presenting a copy of the will or offering evidence of its contents. The court will consider various factors, including the credibility of the evidence... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: How can I close Escrow?

I made my own living Trust in Feb, 2019. My cash in the bank account has been earned 10 yrs before marriage. I married in Oct, 2018 and separate in divorce proceeding since Feb-2023. I am buying home in Escrow. As far as my understanding, my Trust has been void since divorce was filed. Excrow... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 5, 2023

In a situation where you have a living trust and are going through divorce proceedings, it's important to consult with family law and real estate attorney for guidance as each situation is so unique. They can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances regarding closing escrow on a... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: My property is in a Deed of Trust. Can I fund a living trust with the property?

I granted the property to a 3rd party trustee on behalf of the lender.

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jul 5, 2023

There is a difference between a Deed of Trust and a Trust Deed. A Deed of Trust is a mortgage. You must have taken out a loan on the property. People can put into a Trust (as opposed to a Will) properties with mortgages. If it were otherwise, the overwhelming majority of real estate wouldn’t be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Estate Planning for California on
Q: I was living with my mother. My brother got a restraining order against me in order for me to leave my home.

In mother’s trust she stated “any family member who does not have a home may live in the house.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 5, 2023

If your brother obtained a restraining order against you while you were living with your mother, it's important to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney. Although your mother's trust may state that family members without a home can live in the house, a restraining order can take... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: My husband passed without a will or trust. I am not on the loan/title of the home. Is there a way to transfer it to me?
Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jun 29, 2023

Yes, but you will be forced to go through the Probate Court process which, depending on what county you are in, could last between one to four years, I'm sorry to say. That's one reason why estate planning is so important! I always tell people that they need to plan NOT for themselves,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Is it criminal to act as Trustee and obtain a Reverse Mortgage against Court Order? The Trust this person has is Fraud.

Trustee has never acted as Trustee-only when Financial gains were involved. Alot of items in the Trust are missing which is worth a lot of money.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 30, 2023

Acting as a trustee and obtaining a reverse mortgage against a court order could potentially be considered a violation of the court's order, which may have legal consequences. If you believe the trust is fraudulent and the trustee has not fulfilled their duties, it's important to consult... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: On a stock portfolio, should an individual be named as beneficiary, or the family Trust? What’s better?
Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jun 26, 2023

It depends on whether the stock is in a retirement account or non-retirement account. [They are taxed differently.] If the stock is a retirement (qualified) asset, the title should not be put in the name of the trust, but the trust can be a back up beneficiary in most circumstances. If the stock... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Can I answer as the estate of when they send and eviction to the estate of!! Due to my mothers passing
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2023

In the event of your mother's passing, the estate would typically be responsible for managing her affairs, including addressing outstanding obligations. When responding to an eviction notice on behalf of the estate, it's crucial to carefully review the notice and consult with an attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: What help can I get from the courts if I cannot fund private counsel in a petition of breach of trust against trustee

At hearing set stage and I am lost. I am a abused beneficiary by my aunt- trustee and sister-co beneficiary concerning a duplex in california. By a irrevocable living trust

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jun 24, 2023

The court's self-help-library is extensive, but legal advice prohibited. In order to ensure the best possible outcome, you need to consult with an attorney, at least in a limited role. Far too often, an individual leaves disappointed or even irate because they weren’t properly prepared. A... View More

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