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California Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Rental agreement to state capital improvements by renters are not claimed reimbursable by them when property is sold

Brother/Myself 50/50 a property with 3 houses. Brothers daughter rent 3rd. I May force sell/partition property. I want any and all Capital improvements done by daughter or brother not to be claimed by daughter or brother and taken from my 50% ownership of the property. Majority of value is in the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 8, 2024

In your situation, where you co-own a property with your brother and his daughter rents one of the houses, it's important to have a clear agreement regarding capital improvements. Since you are considering a forced sale or partition of the property, you'll want to ensure that any capital... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can an owner fund common area capital improvements for a small, condo, HOA?

I own a condo in an old 3 unit building, in San Francisco, that hasn’t had much done in the common areas since it was converted in the 70s. A lot of our common area is under utilized and/or needs repair and we are also short on parking. I know the other owners won't be able to split large... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 7, 2024

Under California law, a condo owner in an HOA can propose funding common area improvements, but this requires careful navigation of both legal and HOA governance aspects. Firstly, any significant changes to the common areas, especially those involving capital improvements, typically require... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Neighbor tried putting cardboard on my apartment window because I have a camera indoors facing our parking lot?

I wanted to share a situation with you. The window in my living room overlooks the apartment parking lot and my neighbor has scraped the back corner of my car while pulling out. She wouldn't admit she did it and blames it was something blocking her so she never denied hitting my car either so... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 6, 2024

Under California law, the actions of your neighbor may be considered a form of trespass or vandalism, especially if she is placing objects like cardboard on your property (in this case, the window of your apartment) without your consent. The act of obstructing your camera, which is set up for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can my neighbor get an easement on my property if I let them use our driveway for access and parking occasionally?

In winter our neighbor can not get up his own driveway because of ice ( it is too steep). We have a large paved driveway that is connected to theirs. We have been letting them drive up our driveway in winter and sometimes park on our side. We also allow him to use some of our land for snow storage... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2024

Under California law, your neighbor could potentially claim an easement by prescription on your property. This requires the use of your land to be open, notorious, continuous, and hostile for a period of five years. However, since you have permitted this use, it is not considered hostile, which is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Personal Injury, Real Estate Law and Business Law for California on
Q: Lawyer to lawyer question, your response on Sanctions. Thanks in advance. Lor predeterminations of an appellate process

Employment/Con law Firm with an A list of Corp Clients in Judicial Roadblock. "Delmore Greene LLP vs The Superior Court of San Diego" 03/08/22 (SUBMISSIONS DENIED). EVERYONE IS UPSET - ITS COMPLICATED. Fast forward: Accepted petty matter for favored Established Corp CEO Client (on a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 4, 2024

Under California law, motions for sanctions can be complex and depend on the specific circumstances of the case. In the scenario of "Delmore Greene LLP vs The Superior Court of San Diego," if you're considering filing a motion for sanctions based on allegations of predeterminations... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I have a deed of trust filled against my property in 2009. My name was forged and I did not know the document

Was there until approximately one year ago. I have contacted sheriffs department and the district attorney but because the statute of limitations is exceeded for criminal prosecution, I need to persue it civilly

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 2, 2024

Under California law, if you've discovered that your name was forged on a deed of trust against your property, pursuing civil action is a viable option. The statute of limitations for a civil lawsuit in cases of fraud is generally three years in California. However, this period doesn't... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: HOW DO I GO ABOUT PROVING THAT THE SALE OF REAL ESTATE BELONGING TO MY COUSION THAT PASSED AWAY, WAS NOT LEGALY VALID,

THE PROPERTY WASNT ADDED IN PROBATE. SO PROBATE DIDNT APROVE SALE. PLUS WHEN THE BUYER TRANSFERD PROPERTY THE LISTING AGENT NOR THE BUYER SUBMITED A STATEMENT OF FACTS OF DECECT OWNER, AND THE LAWYER HIRED TO REPRESENTED US , MISREPRESENTED EVERYTHING TO HIS BENIFIT . THE CIVIL CASE FILED A LIS... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 2, 2024

To challenge the legality of a real estate sale in California, especially in a situation involving probate and potential misrepresentation, it's essential to gather and present clear evidence. If the property wasn't included in probate, documentation proving this omission is crucial.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Apt. building sits on 2 lots have 1 address , 1 APN # researched and found 1 lot is AB 1482 rent cap other is not.

The address the building uses is the lot that is not rent controlled. The APN is tied to 2 address . Fishy?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 29, 2023

In California, the application of AB 1482, which imposes rent caps and just-cause eviction rules, can be complex, especially in cases where properties span multiple lots with different zoning or classification. The fact that your apartment building sits on two lots, one subject to AB 1482 and the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Contracts, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can I go to clerks office myself and put my name on deed to which I inherited via trust/will? Without executor of trust?
Julie King
Julie King
answered on Dec 28, 2023

No. The deed must be signed by the person who currently has the right to the control the property. If the property is in the name of a trust, the currently serving Trustee is the only one who has the power to transfer the ownership. If the person who passed away did not have the property titled in... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Contracts, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can I go to clerks office myself and put my name on deed to which I inherited via trust/will? Without executor of trust?
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answered on Dec 28, 2023

In California, you generally cannot directly go to the clerk's office and add your name to a deed for property you inherited via a trust or will without the involvement of the trustee or executor of the trust or the estate. When property is transferred through a trust or will, the legal... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Probate and Small Claims for California on
Q: What is better to answer an unlawful detainer? Ab answer.... or demurrer?

Including is not chiffon his fiduciaries duties to myself and other beneficiaries in my mom's trust. He is now trying to evict us from our house, to which mom gave us all equal shares. (And no, there isn't any outstanding debts that need to be paid)

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Dec 28, 2023

It's difficult to answer your question without more information. Is the person trying to evict you the trustee? If not, that person would not have legal standing, which is the right to bring a lawsuit over a particular topic. If that's the case, it's likely a demurrer would be more... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Probate and Small Claims for California on
Q: What is better to answer an unlawful detainer? Ab answer.... or demurrer?

Including is not chiffon his fiduciaries duties to myself and other beneficiaries in my mom's trust. He is now trying to evict us from our house, to which mom gave us all equal shares. (And no, there isn't any outstanding debts that need to be paid)

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 28, 2023

In an unlawful detainer case in California, whether to file an answer or a demurrer depends on the specific circumstances of your case. If you want to contest the eviction and assert defenses related to your mom's trust and fiduciary duties, it's generally advisable to file an answer... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: If there is a will & trust with money for estate, shouldn't the executor use that money instead of his own creditcards??

Executor of my mom's trust, which I am beneficiary to, has been using his credit cards for expenses. And detailing and charging the trust all the interest charges being accrued. Can I somehow dispute these charges and get back into the trust??

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answered on Dec 28, 2023

Under California law, the executor of a trust is expected to manage the trust's assets responsibly and in the best interest of the beneficiaries. Ideally, the executor should use the trust's funds for expenses, rather than personal credit cards. If the executor is using personal credit... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law, Elder Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: LOOKING FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN LAWYER IN SOLANO COUNTY

FALSE CONTRACT ADVERTISEMENT FROM REALESTATE CO.

LANLORD NEVER DO REPAIRS AND BOTH THESE TWO BUSINESS PEOPLE LIED TO ME AND ASKED A HUGH MONEY

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 28, 2023

To address your situation, you might want to consult with a lawyer who can provide specific guidance under California law. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, particularly if you're facing issues with false advertising and a landlord who is not fulfilling their obligations for... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Family Law for California on
Q: Ok, just how much does interest percentage of an inherited home does a divorcing spouse own after a short 6 years...

The wife made no payments or contributions during the 6 year marriage. The house was 100% inherited during the marriage but there was a refinance due to owing half the value to a sibling after parents died. House was in a living trust and the money for buyout was deposited into the trust, so the... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 27, 2023

The community's interest in this property results from mortgage payments made DURING the marriage. The community acquires an interest in the property when the community makes the mortgage payments. If mortgage payments you made after you inherited the property, came from your earnings during... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Family Law for California on
Q: Ok, just how much does interest percentage of an inherited home does a divorcing spouse own after a short 6 years...

The wife made no payments or contributions during the 6 year marriage. The house was 100% inherited during the marriage but there was a refinance due to owing half the value to a sibling after parents died. House was in a living trust and the money for buyout was deposited into the trust, so the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2023

In California, inheritance is typically considered separate property, even if acquired during the marriage. However, when the inherited property is refinanced and a spouse's name is added to the title, this can create a presumption of a gift to the marital community, potentially changing its... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Municipal Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Needing to understand the effect of part of a Municipal Zoning Ordinance, California.

"but excluding the last sentence of subsection 10.40.070.D.E, subsections 10.40.120.A.3.e and f, subsection 10.40.130.H and subsection 10.40.140.E.1.b which are not applicable" My question concerns the first part "10.40.070.D.E" There is NO subsection E of D. It is 99%... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2023

Under California law, when interpreting a municipal zoning ordinance, the clarity and precision of the language used is key. If a part of the ordinance, such as "10.40.070.D.E", appears to contain a typographical error, it can create uncertainty in its application and enforcement.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: My niece is trying to take my late fathers house from me because he did not have a will.What can I do?

My father owns a home that I have lived in for the past 30 years, he passed away in 2015 and I took care of my mother in the home until her passing in 2022. My father did not have a will, since my mom's passing last year my niece has tried to take the house from me. She filed an eviction on me... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Dec 26, 2023

There are only two ways to transfer a house after someone passes away without a trust: (1) A Petition must be filed with the Probate Court and a judge issues a Judgment that says who will inherit the home; or (2) the deed to the home is a TOD -- transfer on death deed -- that says the name of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: My niece is trying to take my late fathers house from me because he did not have a will.What can I do?

My father owns a home that I have lived in for the past 30 years, he passed away in 2015 and I took care of my mother in the home until her passing in 2022. My father did not have a will, since my mom's passing last year my niece has tried to take the house from me. She filed an eviction on me... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2023

In California, when someone passes away without a will (intestate), the estate, including real property like a house, is distributed according to the state's intestacy laws. As your father's daughter and assuming there are no other surviving children or a spouse, you would typically be a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I inherited a house via probate court. Do I have to put my name on the deed to solidify ownership? If so, which type?

It was my mother's house who died without a will. If I have to draft a deed, I'm wondering which type of deed to record.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2023

In California, when you inherit a house through probate court, the process typically includes transferring the property title to the new owner. If you've inherited your mother's house and she died intestate (without a will), the probate court generally oversees this transfer as part of... View More

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