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California Estate Planning Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Dad died-no will -one son-how can I get the house in my name.no access to split
Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jun 18, 2024

Unless the title to the home is in joint tenancy with your father and you as the joint tenants, there is no way to get the property without filing a Petition in Probate Court. The filing fees alone can be between $400-$500, depending on the county. This is why I tell everyone with real restate or... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Over $80 million dollars is being embezzled by my cousins & the City Probate.

Land Man Attorney needed. Regarding Probate Real Estate Embezzlement of over $80 ML and counting of my deceased father's Probate Oil Companies in Oklahoma. Real Estate in New York, and in Michigan has been stolen with written WILL. And Los Angeles Real Estate in California. My father Roy... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the alleged embezzlement and theft from your father's estate. That sounds like an extremely distressing and complicated legal situation.

Given the high dollar amounts and complex probate issues spanning multiple states, my strongest recommendation would...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Over $80 million dollars is being embezzled by my cousins & the City Probate.

Land Man Attorney needed. Regarding Probate Real Estate Embezzlement of over $80 ML and counting of my deceased father's Probate Oil Companies in Oklahoma. Real Estate in New York, and in Michigan has been stolen with written WILL. And Los Angeles Real Estate in California. My father Roy... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

It sounds like you need to contact an OK attorney for a Will Contest in Oklahoma, if that is where the Probate proceedings are. Will Contests are very hard to win if the execution was correct, so you need witnesses and other proof. There may be other separate quiet title actions for the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: What makes a real property trust valid in California?

If a real property is placed into a trust intending to hide it from or defraud a spouse during marriage or within a divorce OR if the real properties were placed in trust under synthetic names - is it a valid trust? Does it matter how much time passes before the truth was found?

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jun 18, 2024

Thank you for your question!

A spouse cannot hide her assets (if come from community property that belongs to marriage). I'm California, they use the trace-back method and track back the source of funds of each property to see if that property is a community property or not. All...
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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: What makes a real property trust valid in California?

If a real property is placed into a trust intending to hide it from or defraud a spouse during marriage or within a divorce OR if the real properties were placed in trust under synthetic names - is it a valid trust? Does it matter how much time passes before the truth was found?

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jun 17, 2024

Most people set up trusts with their names as the trust’s name (such as John Doe 2024 Trust), but I have had a number of people who select specific names for other reasons. One couple took the first two letters of their kids’ names and made up a word as the name of their trust. Others have used... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: What makes a real property trust valid in California?

If a real property is placed into a trust intending to hide it from or defraud a spouse during marriage or within a divorce OR if the real properties were placed in trust under synthetic names - is it a valid trust? Does it matter how much time passes before the truth was found?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

To create a valid trust for real property in California, the following elements must be present:

1. Intent: The settlor (person creating the trust) must have a clear intent to create a trust.

2. Property: The trust must hold identifiable real property located in California....
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: HOW can a dead primary trustee complete a GRANT deed to transfer a house to successor trustee with NO consideration?

all of the online grant deed forms say 'for valuable consideration.' should I cross that out and put 'for no consideration, as this transfer is an inheritance?'

DOES the affidavit of death of trustee allow the successor trustee to sign the grant deed AS DECLARANT in... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jun 16, 2024

When a property owner (or the Trustee of a Trust that holds title to real estate) passes away, documents need to be filed with both the County Assessor and the County Recorder of the county in which the real estate is located. Be mindful that some counties have local rules that must be followed so... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: HOW can a dead primary trustee complete a GRANT deed to transfer a house to successor trustee with NO consideration?

all of the online grant deed forms say 'for valuable consideration.' should I cross that out and put 'for no consideration, as this transfer is an inheritance?'

DOES the affidavit of death of trustee allow the successor trustee to sign the grant deed AS DECLARANT in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 16, 2024

Here are a few key points regarding transferring a house from a deceased primary trustee to a successor trustee in California:

1. Consideration: You can cross out "for valuable consideration" and replace it with "for no consideration, as this transfer is pursuant to the terms...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: My sister and I disagree on the interpretation of the will I say my father says one thing and she says no he says anothe

The wheel stays if I can test it I get nothing I'm not contesting the will I'm just trying to make her give me what I believe the will says

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 14, 2024

I understand that you and your sister have different interpretations of your father's will, which is causing a disagreement. Dealing with a loved one's estate can be emotionally challenging, and it's not uncommon for family members to have conflicting views on how to interpret the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Transfer of my dad’s trustee was signed over to me. Everything is a mess. As executor, trustee & beneficiary.

Do I have legal right when it is in the best interest of my fathers assets and property to uphold make sure the property is not run into the ground.?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 13, 2024

As the trustee and executor of your father's estate in California, you have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the trust and its beneficiaries. This includes managing and protecting the trust assets, such as property, to ensure they are not mismanaged or devalued.

Your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: I am the executor of a family trust. I want to sell the property. What is the California Probate Law on executor rights?

Family members are occupants of the property and I need to give them notice. What is the law for giving beneficiaries notice of intent to sell property.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 13, 2024

As the executor of a family trust in California, you have the right and responsibility to manage and distribute the trust's assets according to the terms of the trust and state law. This includes the right to sell real property held by the trust. However, there are certain legal requirements... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: I am the executor of a family trust. I want to sell the property. What is the California Probate Law on executor rights?

Family members are occupants of the property and I need to give them notice. What is the law for giving beneficiaries notice of intent to sell property.

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Jun 13, 2024

As the executor or personal representative, you have the authority to sell the property to pay off the estate’s debts as long as the deceased individual did not give the real estate to a beneficiary and as long as you were granted the power of sale. The court may require an order approving the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: If my friend left me her house through a trust do I get the step-up basis for tax purposes? Or do I pay taxes?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 9, 2024

If your friend left you her house through a trust, the tax implications depend on the type of trust and the specific terms of the trust agreement. Here are a couple of common scenarios:

1. Irrevocable trust: If the house was placed in an irrevocable trust before your friend's death,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: Is the Medi-Cal Estate Recovery only for those in long term care and similar? What if it’s only normal medi-cal services

Recipient owns two properties, is over 55, and only receives regular medi-cal and no services through long term care or similar.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 8, 2024

In California, Medi-Cal Estate Recovery applies to individuals who are 55 years of age or older and have received Medi-Cal benefits. However, the extent of the recovery depends on the type of services received.

For individuals who received only regular Medi-Cal services (not long-term...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: I am named the executor of a CA estate by the San Diego Court. Chase Bank says I need a small estate declaration before

I can close the safe deposit box. Is this true?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 7, 2024

Under California law, if you are named the executor of an estate by the court, you generally have the authority to manage the decedent’s assets, including closing a safe deposit box. A small estate declaration, also known as an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, is typically used for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: My sister has been intentionally delaying our case removing my brother as trustee in my fathers trust what are my option

my sister has admitted to intentionally dragging her feet on this case to have my brother removed because I had said I wasn’t going to help her do the inventory of the rest and residue which as a beneficiary is not my job and if we can remove my brother, she’s next in line to be trustee She is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 6, 2024

Under California law, if your sister is intentionally delaying the case to remove your brother as trustee, you have a few options:

1. File a motion with the court: You can file a motion with the court to compel your sister to move forward with the case. This motion would request that the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: I need to legally remove my sister from the joint lawsuit we are involved in

We are currently trying to get my brother from bed from my father’s trust he is trustee we will be removing him for cause. My sister has just admitted that she has deliberately been dragging her feet on getting information needed to our lawyer because I was not going to help her inventory the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 6, 2024

In California, if you and your sister are both plaintiffs in a lawsuit, you may be able to have her removed from the case. However, the process can be complex and will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Try to resolve the issue with...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Do I use a grant deed or a quitclaim deed or another form to change ownership of a house from primary trustee to succ?

I am the only heir/successor trustee of my mom's revocable trust. I want to change the deed at the REG/rec in LA, ca, from my mom as primary trustee (SHE died in 2/24) to me (the only successor trustee) as SOLE owner.

2. DO other forms go with (need to be filed with) the... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jun 7, 2024

Thank you for your question!

The revocable trust can be revoked by the trustor (your mom) and not by trustee or beneficiary. The only person who can transfer the trust assets from trust to your name, is your mother as long as she is alive.

When the trustor passes away, the trust...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Do I use a grant deed or a quitclaim deed or another form to change ownership of a house from primary trustee to succ?

I am the only heir/successor trustee of my mom's revocable trust. I want to change the deed at the REG/rec in LA, ca, from my mom as primary trustee (SHE died in 2/24) to me (the only successor trustee) as SOLE owner.

2. DO other forms go with (need to be filed with) the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 5, 2024

To change the ownership of the house from your mom as the primary trustee to you as the successor trustee and sole owner, you typically use a grant deed or a quitclaim deed. Both documents are straightforward, but it's important to ensure they are filled out accurately to avoid any issues.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Hello. My dads will said I get half of everything, but my sister locked me out and called the sheriffs. The attorneys sa

Special needs. Then why am I still outside?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 5, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation with your father's will and estate. It sounds like there may be some legal complications and disputes with your sister. Here are a few thoughts:

Under California law, the terms of a valid will generally dictate how assets are...
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