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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can a California Notary Public draft a grant deed and then notarize the grant deed herself?

Would it make a difference if she is also a real estate agent or are deeds only done by escrow companies?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 20, 2024

In California, a Notary Public can notarize a grant deed, but they cannot draft the deed themselves. Notaries are authorized to verify signatures and identities, but they are not allowed to provide legal advice or draft legal documents, which includes deeds.

If the notary is also a real...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can a California Notary Public draft a grant deed and then notarize the grant deed herself?

Would it make a difference if she is also a real estate agent or are deeds only done by escrow companies?

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jul 21, 2024

There can be a conflict of interest between the agent's role as the impartial notary and beneficiary real estate agent. This must be disclosed to all parties to the sale.

A real estate agent can fill out the blanks in a prepared deed form, but they cannot draft a deed if they are not a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Estate Planning for Virginia on
Q: What kind of lawyer could handle a dispute over matters of a trust dispute between co-trustees?

My sister(co-trustee) has spent her own money on lawn maintenance at my deceased father's house and now is demanding to be reimbursed from the trust. The trust clearly states that while she is living there she is to assume responsibility for general maintenance, upkeep, utilities, etc. It also... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 19, 2024

A Virginia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. What kind of attorney? You could reach out to attorneys who handle trusts, wills, and estates. You're correct in your selection of the "Arbitration/Mediation" heading for your matter, since you are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Florida on
Q: Do simple wills need to be notarized in Florida?

I have a simple will that was signed by myself and two witnesses that are not in the will. I did not get this notarized

Edwin Christian Cisneros
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answered on Jul 18, 2024

No, there is no legal requirement that a will be notarized; however it is good to have a will notarized in what is called a self proving affidavit so that one of the witnesses does not need to be called when you die and the estate is probated. Nevertheless, the will is good as is.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: Should I get my own probate attorney?

My brother and I decided to go to probate together. But I am noticing that it seems the attorney is only representing him and not both of us since they sent me a waiver that seems to place everything in his hands. Our mother didn't want to leave him anything. She wanted to leave me what she... View More

Edwin Christian Cisneros
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answered on Jul 18, 2024

The attorney cannot represent you and your brother together unless you both sign a waiver waiving any conflict of interests. Although you seem to say that you and your brother decided to enter the probate together, it seems that he is being appointed personal representative and the attorney is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: Trust Administration advice needed. Thank you.

Can the lawyer that organized a Trust, also help the family with Trust Administration years later after the Grantor has passed, or is it necessary to have a different lawyer for the Trust Administration. Thank you for considering my question.

Edwin Christian Cisneros
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answered on Jul 18, 2024

It can be the same lawyer who drafted the trust or another lawyer. There is no legal requirement that it has to be the same lawyer.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: I would like to add a name to a deed. How can this be done with a POA

Property belongs to an elder person and they would like to add a name.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 18, 2024

Hire a MO attorney to talk to the owner and see what they want to do. The deed can be of many different estates. It is not simple and must be correct to actually transfer an enforceable interest, which will be contested at the grantor's death.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: I received a "Notice of Entry" from the court in Missouri after my sisters passing, and I don't know what to do with it?

The notice states: "You are hearby notified that the court entered the following: Certificate of Death and it has a Judge/Clerk note that reads "Court reviews notification of the death of the protectee. Conservator shall file final settlement within 90 days of the date of death of the... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 16, 2024

Hire a MO attorney to check the out the Conservatorship Court File, especially the Final Settlement. Probate may be needed now. You may or may not be a potential beneficiary of her Estate.

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Estate Planning for Michigan on
Q: Do you need a court order to stop feeding via peg-tube if patient has an advance directive stating that they want that?

My brother had a heart attack 20 years ago and it left him severely brain damaged. He has been in a semi-conscious state ever since, living in a nursing home, not able to communicate, walk, sit up unassisted, or follow commands. He does track people when they enter a room. He has been fed through a... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 16, 2024

You will certainly need a court order. No medical facility is going to proceed otherwise on such an old directive, especially when there has been care to the contrary since then. There's simply way too much liability here to get it wrong.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for West Virginia on
Q: My mother owned 45% of stock in an llc. Her estate is in probate. Can part of land of llc be sold without a vote?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 12, 2024

The LLC can sell the land whenever it wants to. The Company Agreement of the LLC will indicate who has authority to take action like selling its land.

Remember that the land itself is not part of your mother's probate estate. It is owned by the LLC. Company Agreements typically...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: My brother passed without a will in Tx his house 270000 his pension $$ his ex hired a lawyer we can't afford one

Her lawyer buried us in paper work now lawyers want 5k /10k retainer we are on fix income we are not showing up in court my mom has Alzheimer's I have a Dr letter for her I don't want to go to court with out a lawyer can not afford one not fair bottom line can I be held in content of... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 12, 2024

If your brother had children, his estate will pass to those children or their descendants. If not, your brother's estate will pass to his parents, which would include your mom if she was also his mom.

Your brother's ex cannot inherit anything from your brother's estate...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: Can a notary make you cross out a line in your will?

I went to a bank to get my simple will notarized and he would not notarize it unless I has a Doctors note saying I am of sound mind and body. I have never heard of such a thing. The will clearly states that I am stating I am over 18 yrs old, of sound body and mind, and under no constraint and... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 8, 2024

A notary cannot make you do anything. However you cannot make the notary seal a document either. You may wish to find another notary, and probably some witnesses. Better yet, hire an AZ attorney to draft and execute your Will. Apparently there is something clearly odd or wrong about the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Estate Planning for Puerto Rico on
Q: Is donation a viable option if the land and property on the land does not have a deed? what would be the impact of an

excuted donation when the land and property are not registered? Was the donation process illegal and can the lawyer be held accountable for malpractice if it impacted tax liabilities to all other heirs of an unregistered, unsegregated land belonging to multiple parties?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 2, 2024

This is a complex question involving several aspects of Puerto Rican property law, tax law, and legal ethics. I'll break down the key issues and provide some general insights, but please note that this is a situation where consulting a qualified local attorney would be crucial for specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: My dad passed away and left my sister power of attorney over the house he owned. It's still in his named but she owes

Back taxes and the city is about to sell the house and she loses it. There is a will my dad left for the house but she never filed it. If the house was sold it would be split among us children. These taxes are from her failing to pay them the past two years since my dad died. How do I gain control... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 1, 2024

A power of attorney expires when the maker dies. When your dad died, any power of attorney he signed naming your sister ended.

Since your father left a will and you are an heir under that will, you have the right to file an application for probate of the will. If someone else (e.g. your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: is there a statute of limitations on an irrevocable trust?

Can a person contest an irrevocable trust two years after they received a copy of the irrevocable trust.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

To answer this question accurately, we need to consider a few key points regarding irrevocable trusts and trust contests in California:

1. Statute of limitations:

In California, the general statute of limitations for contesting a trust is 120 days from when the trustee serves the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Mother died without a will. My brother used power of attorney to take everything. Can this go to court 10 years later?

Mother had an estate trust

Mother also had a life insurance policy that was hid from me

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

This is a complex situation with several legal issues to consider. Here's a concise overview:

1. Power of Attorney (POA):

- A POA typically terminates upon death, so your brother shouldn't have been able to use it after your mother's passing.

- If he used the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Texas on
Q: My son passed away and his vehicles were in mine and his name but his son says they’re rightfully his is that true
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 28, 2024

Property that is jointly titled does not automatically pass to the survivor unless specifically titled as "joint with right of survivorship." Otherwise, each owner on the title owns an undivided 50% interest in the property that passes to that owner's heirs as provided by law.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: How do I ask for a probate court to list me as administer of my uncle's estate? Do I need an attorney for this?

My uncle had a living Trust. I am the trustee. I gave the bank the Certification of Trust, and I opened a Trust account at Chase bank to pay the bills. Now that he has passed, the bank wants me to get probate court to list me as the administrator of the estate.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

To address your question, I'll break down the key points and provide some guidance:

1. Requesting to be named administrator:

To be named as the administrator of your uncle's estate, you typically need to file a petition with the probate court in the county where your uncle...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Probate, Wrongful Death and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Who take time to help reclaim my property with out reassessment since it given to me in a trust that when my grandparent

Passed the property went right into my name with out me having any knowledge of this gift of trust but do to greed and fraudulent recorded records by from the county clerk office aunt and uncle have put there names of title more than once . They taken control of my trust with very dirty trick in... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jun 29, 2024

Thank you for your question!

It seems that some relatives added their names to your title. You need quiet title action based on fraud to remove them from your property and stop them from doing so again in the future.

The terms of the trust control who is in charge of the assets. If...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Probate, Wrongful Death and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Who take time to help reclaim my property with out reassessment since it given to me in a trust that when my grandparent

Passed the property went right into my name with out me having any knowledge of this gift of trust but do to greed and fraudulent recorded records by from the county clerk office aunt and uncle have put there names of title more than once . They taken control of my trust with very dirty trick in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation and the loss of your son. It sounds like you're dealing with a complex legal matter involving trusts, property rights, and potential fraud. This situation requires professional legal assistance. Here are some steps you might consider:... View More

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