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California Estate Planning Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Can my uncle put my parents house in their parents trust

My parents bought condo &house and y grandparents cosigned. When grandfather died grandma dementia got bad, so my uncle put the my parents houses in trust. Can he do that?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

Under California law, the ability to transfer property into a trust depends on who holds the title to the property. If your parents are the rightful owners of the condo and house, typically, only they have the authority to transfer their property into a trust. Co-signing on a loan does not grant... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: In California what’s the best way to deposit 370,000 inheritance because you just inherited but executor f doesn’t know

I really need this because I was forced to move out by executor and start new life with no money except enough to pay rent but still no job but I’m trying and my bills are piling up so is my girlfriends I just want to live my life again my sisters seem comfortable now that I’m waiting to get... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

In California, when you receive a significant inheritance like $370,000, it's crucial to manage it wisely to ensure financial stability, especially in your situation with immediate financial needs and no current job. The first step is to deposit the inheritance into a safe and accessible... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: Can inheritance be distributed to certain family and not others my sisters know I need the money desperately

Or I will have to sell my mobile home I just got from one of homes sold bevause they kicked me out of other one that my dad said he didn’t want sold and I barely had enough to buy mobile home and now I’m trying to find work in new town and am barely surviving with my Partner my sisters both... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

In California, the distribution of an inheritance is typically governed by the terms of the deceased’s will or, if there is no will, by state intestacy laws. These laws determine how assets are divided among surviving relatives. If you are legally entitled to a portion of the inheritance, your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: My sisters who hate me one is executor won’t sign the distribution letter knowing I desperately need the money

I was forced to sell my home and they know I can’t get a lawyer I’ve been barely surviving got a year now and I’ve signed it even knowing they have both gotten more than I especially my sister she has taken way more from my share is their anything I can do or must I suffer until they sign... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

In California, if an executor is not performing their duties properly or is acting against your interests, you have the right to petition the court for their removal and to enforce the distribution of the estate according to the will or state law. This includes cases where the executor withholds... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: Can executor make u sign to get share and free themselves of any doing too my sister knows I need money

And I need it can’t afford lawyer til after but it says I can’t fight anything when I sign

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

In California, it is common for executors to ask beneficiaries to sign a release form before distributing their share of the estate. This release can include language that absolves the executor of liability for their actions during the administration of the estate. While this practice is legal,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: If distribution letter is signed and didn’t go through probate when do I get my share
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

In California, if a distribution letter is signed in the context of an estate that did not require formal probate, the timing for receiving your share depends on several factors. For estates that are administered without formal probate, such as those that pass via trust, joint tenancy, or other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: My families property is in a trust created by my dad left to my mom who is still alive. My oldest brother and sister are

co-trustees. I've lived on the property for over 15years and am a named beneficiary of the trust. My brother somehow was able to evict me. The trust was revocable so he very well may have removed me from the trust. I haven't been able to get a copy of it. I just don't understand how... View More

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answered on Feb 22, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems there may be a few issues at play with regards to your brother being able to evict you from the property that is held in a family trust:

1. If the trust was revocable, and your brother is a co-trustee, then potentially he and your sister could...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: What part of NC law could I quote to receive funds from estate?

I'll be brief, today is day 29. Aunt died years ago, mom was designated beneficiary of eatate and 1/2 listed executors in will, can't find other. Mother since died, father received notice of abandoned funds (final disability benefits), 30 day notice. Assuming since the funds were... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

A few key considerations:

- If your mother was named as the sole beneficiary on assets that passed outside of probate (like life insurance or retirement accounts), then typically the money would go to her estate upon her death. As her spouse, your father may be entitled to some or all of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: I can’t afford lawyer and need estate planin advice?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Here are some options for estate planning in California without hiring a lawyer:

1. Use free or low-cost online templates to make your own will, living trust, etc. Sites like RocketLawyer.com or Nolo.com have templates that follow California laws. They cost much less than hiring a lawyer to...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: If a will hasn’t gone through probate ad the house was sold month ago when do beneficiary get their share
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

If a will has not gone through probate and a house that was part of the estate was sold a month ago, there are a few factors that determine when the beneficiaries would receive their share:

- Who sold the house? If it was sold by the executor without going through formal probate court, they...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: HELP? My brother is trying to terminate a short marriage(6 years) but....he might back out because he can't pay her...?

Lawyer said he will owe her 45,000.00! His house is 100% inherited, but to refinance the loan on it he used to buy me out (his sister), he was forced to sign a quit claim to half the property? He never meant to give her his inheritance. He needed to buy me out. I'm thinking the 45k... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

In California, property acquired through inheritance is generally considered separate property and not subject to division in a divorce. However, if your brother refinanced his home to buy you out and added his wife to the deed through a quitclaim, this could have converted what was once separate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Elder Law, Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Can bundle a petition for conservatorship with a request for reasonable compensation and unreimbursed expenses?

Two beneficiaries of a revocable trust stated in California removed funds held in trust by me to deny me reasonable compensation and unreimbursed expenses. One of the beneficiaries was my soon-to-be ex-husband. The trustor is my mother-in-law and I believe her to be financially incompetent and had... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

In California, it is possible to address your situation through legal proceedings, but the strategy involves careful consideration of the complexities involved in trust and conservatorship law. When dealing with a conservatorship petition, specifically if you believe a party to be financially... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: In the case of a living trust what notices are required to be given by the successor trustee iupon death of grantor

Grantor left three beneficiaries to an estate valued at $1,000,000

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Upon the death of the grantor of a living trust in California, the successor trustee has certain legal obligations to provide notice to the trust beneficiaries. Here are the key details:

• Notice of Trust - Within 60 days after the grantor's death, the successor trustee is required...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: Can a trustee use a quitclaim deed to claim real estate in a California family trust before notifying beneficiaries?

My aunt abused her caretaker/trustee position to exert undue influence on my grandparents to secretly create two amendments to their family trust just before they died. They were in their mid 90's, had dementia, were legally blind, and clearly did not understand what they signed. While they... View More

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answered on Feb 20, 2024

Under California law, a trustee is obligated to act in the best interest of all beneficiaries according to the terms set forth in the trust document. The trustee must adhere to the duties of notification, which include informing beneficiaries about the trust and any significant changes to it, such... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: How can I find out if funds can be distributed from will my susters aren’t being honest with me and unfair

My sister is executor they have lied to me as well and doing unfair things do I have my rights I can’t afford help they know it

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 20, 2024

In California, as a beneficiary of a will, you have rights to be informed about the estate and the distribution of assets. If your sister is the executor and is not being transparent or fair, you can request a copy of the will and an accounting of the estate from her. Executors have a legal duty to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: I am trustee of my deceased cousin’s trust. My first name is misspelled (Debra instead of Deborah), how do I correct?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 20, 2024

In California, if your name is misspelled in a trust document where you are named as the trustee, it's usually not a significant issue that affects your authority or duties as trustee. However, for clarity and to avoid potential confusion in the future, especially when dealing with banks,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Collections and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Homestead for California exemption questions.

Hi. So, Under the new 2021 Cali law, $300,000–$600,000 of a home’s equity cannot be touched by judgment creditors.

Does this also apply to properties that the homeowner does not live in? What other resources do lawyers have collect a judgement.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

It's important for both creditors and debtors to understand their rights and obligations under California law. Debtors should be aware of the protections available to them, including the homestead exemption for their primary residence, while creditors should explore all legal avenues for... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Collections and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Homestead for California exemption questions.

Hi. So, Under the new 2021 Cali law, $300,000–$600,000 of a home’s equity cannot be touched by judgment creditors.

Does this also apply to properties that the homeowner does not live in? What other resources do lawyers have collect a judgement.

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Feb 18, 2024

It applies to the principal dwelling. See California Civil Code §§ 704.710 through 704.850.

There are many tools and techniques to collect judgments, including real property lien, bank levies, charging orders, wage garnishment, etc.

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Collections and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Homestead for California exemption questions.

Hi. So, Under the new 2021 Cali law, $300,000–$600,000 of a home’s equity cannot be touched by judgment creditors.

Does this also apply to properties that the homeowner does not live in? What other resources do lawyers have collect a judgement.

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Feb 18, 2024

It applies only to property occupied by you, or your spouse, or a very close family member. See the actual statute, below, for the definitions,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: I am the trustee for an irrevocable trust. Is it possible to add a new successor trustee without petitioning the court?

I became the trustee when my mother passed away. I am sole beneficiary, and there are no alternate successors mentioned in the trust.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

In California, the terms of the trust document itself largely determine the ability to add a new successor trustee without court intervention. If the trust document provides a mechanism or procedure for the appointment of successor trustees, and you, as the current trustee and sole beneficiary,... View More

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