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California Elder Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law and Probate for California on
Q: Hello, my grandma has recently passed away. She has a will from years ago she and her late husband had stating the

…house and assets would be left to his step daughter. A few years ago she had gone into the bank to place me as her beneficiary for the account. Would they still honor the will or does me being beneficiary of the bank account override that?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 13, 2023

In California, assets passed via a beneficiary designation, such as a payable on death designation on a bank account, generally bypass the probate process and are not controlled by the terms of a will. Therefore, as the named beneficiary of your grandmother’s bank account, you would inherit the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Elder Law and Identity Theft for California on
Q: i was convicted of elder abuse /theft in 2018 i got my record expunged can i get my lvn license ?

Im currently about to graduate . Just need some answers

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 4, 2023

Under California law, having an expunged record doesn't completely erase the conviction; licensing boards like the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians may still consider it. While having an expunged record may improve your chances, each application is evaluated... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for California on
Q: What to do with Alzheimer's brother?

The last attorney informed me that my friend should try to get conservatorship over his brother in order to then formally request a state authority to take care of him. While my friend does not legally need to take care of his brother, they keep saying that he cannot drop him off at a hospital as... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 2, 2023

In California, obtaining conservatorship is often the advised legal route for gaining authority to make decisions for someone who is incapacitated, but it can be a time-consuming and expensive process. If immediate intervention is required, and conservatorship isn't feasible, you might explore... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for California on
Q: Social services will not take care of brother with Alzheimers. What to do?

Brother started living with his Mom 12 years ago after he lost his job because he was a drunk. He embezzled all her savings. My friend (the other son) has power of attorney over his mother. She might need to go in a nursing home as she is 94 years old and has memory loss. Her house will need to be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 30, 2023

In California, the law generally does not impose an affirmative duty on siblings to care for one another. However, abandoning a vulnerable adult could potentially lead to elder abuse or neglect charges. Your friend may need to file for a conservatorship over his brother to formally pass the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for California on
Q: Where do you drop off a person with Alzheimers for whom I am not responsible?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 29, 2023

You should not "drop off" a person with Alzheimer's for whom you are not responsible without ensuring that they are in a safe environment and in the care of qualified individuals. Abandoning a vulnerable adult could potentially expose you to criminal and civil liability under... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for California on
Q: My Uncle took advantage of my grandma and took her money, now ignores her when she asks for it back, what do we do?

My grandma was Ill but functioning when she sold her house in Tennessee but her energy was low, my uncle offered to help her get moved out and situated in his home with his family who live in Sacramento. By help I mean put the title of the house into his name and sell it so the money was in his... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 27, 2023

Under California law, if your uncle took advantage of your grandma and misappropriated her funds, this could be considered elder financial abuse. You may consider filing a report with the local Adult Protective Services or law enforcement. Additionally, seeking a civil action to recover the funds... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Elder Law for California on
Q: I had a hearing today that was VACATED, what does that mean? f

it was for a restraining order that was made from false allegations. I turned in proof that said allegations were false to the judge in a motion to dismiss or terminate the order. my hearing showed up in the Registry Of Actions as being Vacated. is that the hearing is vacated or the order?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 20, 2023

When a hearing is "vacated," it means the hearing has been canceled or postponed. It does not necessarily mean that the restraining order itself has been vacated or terminated. You should consult with the court or an attorney to confirm the status of the restraining order and whether... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Elder Law and Probate for California on
Q: Do you have to respond to requests for admission when no facts are provided only allegations?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 17, 2023

The failure to timely respond to a request for admissions will mean that the substance of the request is deemed admitted. A request for admission might ask to admit a fact or it might ask you to admit that you are making a particular allegation or it might ask you to admit a certain proposition of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for California on
Q: It's a caregiver entire to a severance pay after principal passes?

Caregiver cared for principal for 8 yrs. There was 3 caregivers but only one worked for principal for 8 yrs.

The one caregiver shores: running errands, take her to Dr's appointments, make sure meals were done daily, laundry keeping house clean, she worked 5 days per week.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 4, 2023

Under California law, a caregiver may be entitled to severance pay if they were an employee and not an independent contractor. However, the specific circumstances of the employment, such as the terms of the employment contract, the reason for termination, and the total duration of employment, will... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for California on
Q: Is there any way to find out if my niece has legal Financial POA over her mother’s money and business affairs?

A family trust was established but no one has a copy. The daughter is a co-signer on the bank account. I know the trust is now filed with Vanguard Law services in San Diego. I’ve asked the daughter to contact them to no avail.

My aunt is aware that in order to maintain her current living... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Aug 1, 2023

Each Durable Power of Attorney ("DPOA") is written differently, so we would need to know if the DPOA goes into effect immediately upon being signed or only goes into effect if the person loses mental capacity (a physician would need to certify that that's the case.) Either way, when... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Elder Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: What type of attorney do I need for mobilehome related issues?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 28, 2023

For mobilehome-related issues in California, you may need to consult with a real estate attorney who specializes in mobilehome law. These attorneys have expertise in handling legal matters related to mobilehome park tenancy, ownership, leasing, and other mobilehome-related disputes under California... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Elder Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can my mom evict my sister for not paying rent for over 4years. My mom owns the house.

She stopped paying rent since my dad’s passing. She was asked to pay rent but has not. Can my mom serve her a 3 day notice?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 19, 2023

In California, landlords have the right to evict tenants who fail to pay rent, even if they are family members. If your sister has not been fulfilling her rent obligations, your mom can take legal action to regain possession of the property. Your mom may be required to serve your sister with a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Elder Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can my mom evict my sister for not paying rent for over 4years. My mom owns the house.

She stopped paying rent since my dad’s passing. She was asked to pay rent but has not. Can my mom serve her a 3 day notice?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2023

I am a Sacramento, California attorney. If your sister has not paid rent for over four years and your mom owns the house, your mom may have grounds to serve her a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit. A 3-day notice is a legal document that informs the tenant of their obligation to pay rent or vacate... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law, Family Law and Health Care Law for California on
Q: I need assistance regarding my elderly father who still lives in his residence but is not being properly cared for.

Possible Elder abuse by his spouse. I am out of state, unable to communicate with him privately as she has control over his cell phone. My sister and I are gravely concerned regarding his bed sores and his weight loss. Health care worker in home has recommended he be taken to the ER and his... View More

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answered on Jul 6, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the concerning situation with your elderly father. To address the possible elder abuse by his spouse, you can take several steps. Contact Adult Protective Services in your father's area to report the suspected abuse and seek their intervention. Consult with an... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for California on
Q: How to File a Petition to Invalidate a Trust in addition to what has been filed by other Party. I am Beneficiary/Trustee

I am Beneficiary and Trustee on a prior Trust.

The Trust being used was obtained Fraudulently. Documentation we have indicates Trustor was not of sound mind and this was undue influence, Elder Financial Abuse by the 2019 Trustee to obtain Funds from Estate

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2023

To file a petition to invalidate a trust due to alleged fraud, undue influence, and elder financial abuse, gather evidence supporting your claims, such as medical records and financial statements. Consult with a trust litigation attorney who can guide you through the process and prepare the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law for California on
Q: In California. My grandmother lives in mother in law suite on uncles property and is bedridden. Can he ban us from visit

He won’t let us visit but has POA over her

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2023

In California, having power of attorney does not usually grant the agent the authority to ban family members from visiting an elderly and bedridden relative living in a mother-in-law suite on another family member's property. Family members generally have the right to visit and maintain... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and Elder Law for California on
Q: Is it legal for my sis in law to put my mom in law in a home just to sell her home

My sis in law put my mother in law in a old folks home and got a lawyer to put her self as beneficiary so she did so and she sold my mother in law's house but the thing about that she wasn't allowed to do that until my mother in law passes.and on the will my mom put to split the house... View More

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answered on Jun 16, 2023

If your sister-in-law obtained power of attorney over your mother-in-law's affairs, she may have had the authority to make decisions on her behalf. However, the terms and limitations of the power of attorney document would be important in determining what actions were allowed.

If your...
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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Elder Law for California on
Q: I am 72 years old, in WA state, not educated in investments. I was taken advantage of by a financial planner in CA.

I lost money while he made money on the inheritance I received from my father. I have stopped using his services and have withdrawn my funds directly from the accounts; some are still in process; one has a large prepay penalty, so I removed his name from the account but the money is still there due... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 8, 2023

The bad news is that everyone has to sue in the location where the defendant is, unless this person does a lot of business in WA, or you have an agreement with a Choice of Law, that designates a place for a suit. You may also have signed a contract that contains an arbitration clause, in which... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Elder Law, Juvenile Law and Family Law for California on
Q: My two nephews live with me and I’d like to file a child support case against both parents and have one nephew removed

One nephew needs to be placed with CPS as he can no longer live with me

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 22, 2023

If you believe that one of your nephews needs to be placed with Child Protective Services (CPS) due to concerns for their safety or well-being, it is crucial to take immediate action. Contact CPS or your local child protective services agency to report the situation and seek their assistance in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Elder Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Not registering your private auto/ homestead allow police impounding it. Causing elder abuse to a disabled senior.

Now im homeless being abused by both cops and robbers. Don't know where to turn for help my health deteriorates

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2023

I'm really sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing. It's important to seek assistance from the appropriate authorities and organizations that can help you in your situation. Here are a few steps you can consider:

Emergency Support: If you are experiencing...
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