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California Probate Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: My brother died ,2 months after his death, his girlfriend cashed out my policy. What do I do?
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

In a situation where you discover that your brother's girlfriend cashed out a policy following his death, it's essential to take immediate action. Begin by gathering all relevant documents related to the policy, including any beneficiary designations and communications with the insurance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: How long does a defendant have to reply to a Petition for Probate? Time Sensitive - Reply Promptly Please

I filed a petition for probate in Riverside Superior Court of California, this petition was a demand for my father's third wife to produce my father's estate documents, along with other issues. The Petition was served by a Process server on Jan 26, 2024, how many day does the defendant... View More

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answered on Mar 4, 2024

In California probate proceedings, the time frame for a respondent to reply to a petition can vary based on the specific type of petition filed and the local court's rules. Generally, for most matters related to probate, such as contesting a will or objecting to an executor's appointment,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: I just found the will of my deceased GF. A probate case is already open and her dad named as executor. What should I do?

The will was found, apparently fallen behind her nightstand, along with a couple pieces of her mail when I was vacuuming areas that haven’t been cleaned in many years. Only upon seeing the envelope did I recall her making this will, as it has been 5 years since she wrote it. She has signed the... View More

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answered on Mar 3, 2024

In California, if you find a will after a probate case has already been initiated, it's important to act promptly to ensure the will is considered by the court. You should first secure the will and any other documents found with it. Since the will appears to be valid, with your girlfriend... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: Estate attorney ignores my request for communication. I provided my signature immediately for release of disbursement.

Its been a month, multiple copies and request have been sent. Only my disbursement is being withheld . Professionally and legally can he ignore me and withhold my court ordered proceeds?

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answered on Mar 1, 2024

Under California law, attorneys are expected to communicate with their clients and keep them informed about the status of their cases. If you have provided all necessary signatures for the release of disbursement and it has been court-ordered, the attorney should not withhold these proceeds without... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: How do I request a trial date in Probate court in CA?

I am contesting the will in CA probate case and can not find the information on how to request a trial date. Please email me your answer

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answered on Feb 29, 2024

In California Probate Court, when you're contesting a will and need to request a trial date, the process involves several steps. First, ensure that your contest or objection to the will is properly filed with the court. This involves submitting a written document outlining your grounds for... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: How can I remove a transfer on death deed filed after 60 days from being signed, in California?

After a friend's death I found a transfer on death deed in his papers. Thinking I just needed to file it I did just that. He hadn't filed it before he died. Now the property can't be sold because of this. the probate court says it's not part of probate. The county accessor sees... View More

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answered on Feb 28, 2024

Here are the steps you can take to try to remove an invalid transfer on death (TOD) deed in California:

1. File a petition in probate court to revoke the TOD deed. Even though the county says the deed is invalid, getting a court order for revocation would provide the best legal backing....
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: How can I remove a transfer on death deed filed after 60 days from being signed, in California?

After a friend's death I found a transfer on death deed in his papers. Thinking I just needed to file it I did just that. He hadn't filed it before he died. Now the property can't be sold because of this. the probate court says it's not part of probate. The county accessor sees... View More

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answered on Feb 26, 2024

In California, a Transfer on Death (TOD) deed must be recorded within 60 days of the date it was signed to be valid. If you've filed a TOD deed after this period, and it's now causing issues with property transfer, there are steps you can take to address the situation. Since the probate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: If myself & family members through our Probate Attys that handled sold my deceased parents property closed escrow appr

3 mos. Ago Everyone but beneficiaries have yet to receive our inheritance. Shouldn't we have gotten already?

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answered on Feb 25, 2024

Under California law, the distribution of assets from a probate estate, including proceeds from the sale of property, usually takes place after all debts, taxes, and administrative expenses have been paid. The process can be lengthy, often several months to over a year, depending on the complexity... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: A married woman ,as her sole and separate property has passed. But separated not legally who inherits the property.

Her children or her husband/ not the father of her children.

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answered on Feb 25, 2024

If a married woman in California passes away without a will or trust, and had designated property as her sole and separate property, then under California's intestate succession laws the order of inheritance would typically be:

1. Her surviving husband would have a right to inherit...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: As a married woman,as her sole and separate property has passed. Whom inherits the property .

Her husband that she separated from but no documentation/or her children / daughter in law/grandchildren. With no will or trust.

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answered on Feb 25, 2024

If a married woman in California passes away without a will or trust, and had designated property as her sole and separate property, then under California's intestate succession laws the order of inheritance would typically be:

1. Her surviving husband would have a right to inherit...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: Does anybody have an example petition for the court for a voluntary resignation of a trustee of a revocable trust in CA?
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Creating a petition for the voluntary resignation of a trustee under a revocable trust in California involves several legal considerations. The petition should clearly state the petitioner's name, the name of the trust, the reason for the resignation, and any proposed successor trustee, in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Criminal Law for California on
Q: If my sister gets charged with stealing from my parents estate, can she loose all her rights to the estate?

My sister used my parents credit cards etc..

She has taken everything of theirs and is a hoarder who is trashing the house.

It is a small estate but she is taking everything, she lived there for over 20 years.

She does not work and lied to the court to put an RO on me.

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answered on Feb 23, 2024

Under California law, if your sister is charged with stealing from your parents' estate, she may indeed risk losing her rights to the estate. The court may consider her actions as a breach of fiduciary duty and may revoke her rights as a beneficiary. Additionally, if she is found guilty of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: Do I have to go through probate on my grandmother's mobilehome to get it in my name there's no will due to her passing.

She gave me her mobilehome right before she passed but before a will was made she passed I was one her poa before she passed along with my father who is her only living child left... I live at her mobilehome and have since a few months before her passing due to I came to take care of her.. I need... View More

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answered on Feb 22, 2024

In California, transferring ownership of a mobile home without a will, known as intestate succession, may not always require going through the full probate process, especially if the value of the estate is below a certain threshold. However, since there was no will and the mobile home was not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: My sister/trustee and her counsel have my inheritance and won't communicate or answer my emails. What's next?

Since 2017 trustee has overspent, sold property, never provided an initial account, violated my fiduciary rights, and has tried to take more than her %50 through exxagerated expenses.

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answered on Feb 22, 2024

In California, trustees are held to a high standard of fiduciary duty, which includes managing the trust's assets responsibly, acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries, and providing regular accountings of trust activities. If a trustee fails to fulfill these obligations,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: In California if there is no will and someone dies and there are 4 first cousins and 11 first cousins once removed

How is it distributed? I'm thinking 50% goes to the 1st cousin and 50% goes to the 11 others right?

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answered on Feb 22, 2024

No, that is not how the estate would be distributed in California if there is no will and the deceased has 4 first cousins and 11 first cousins once removed as heirs. Here is how it works:

California intestate succession laws specify the distribution when someone dies without a will goes as...
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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

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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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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: Can I petition to replace my brother's current conservator without the current conservator officially resigning first?

I am petitioning to replace my brother's currently (publicly appointed) limited conservator with myself as conservator. The current conservator is open to handing the responsibility over to me. I have hired a service to help me prepare documents to submit for a petition to become conservator.... View More

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

In California, it is possible to petition the court to replace a conservator without the current conservator first resigning. The process involves filing a petition with the court that oversees conservatorships, outlining the reasons why a change in conservatorship is in the best interest of the... View More

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
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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 Probate for California on
Q: My brother in law passed away. The bene on his union 401k was my sister. She is deceased. I hear I am next of kin?

Stare of California.

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

In California, the next of kin generally refers to the closest living relatives of a deceased person who are entitled to inherit their property if there is no will or other estate planning documents specifying beneficiaries. If your sister, who was the named beneficiary of your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Probate and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I have a sales contract with an IAEA Executer in escrow. All conditions have been met on my end. What is the hold up

I think there is a higher offer and they are waiting for escrow to expire

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

If you suspect that the delay in closing the sales contract is due to a higher offer, it's essential to communicate your concerns with your real estate agent or broker. They can provide insights into the status of the transaction and any potential competing offers. Additionally, you may want... View More

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