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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Arizona on
Q: What's my next move if after being named in the will (and by court) PR, someone has apparently petitioned as PR as well?

They have been given a case number as well. I would really like to keep this an informal probate. The other party is an estranged step father..HELP

Gregory Christopher Poulos
Gregory Christopher Poulos
answered on May 7, 2024

Unfortunately, unless the estranged stepfather is going to withdraw voluntarily you are going to have to petition the court formally. I suggest that you may need legal counsel to advise you. A demand letter may be the first step to avoid any litigation, but if there is no positive response a formal... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Arizona on
Q: What's my next move if after being named in the will (and by court) PR, someone has apparently petitioned as PR as well?

They have been given a case number as well. I would really like to keep this an informal probate. The other party is an estranged step father..HELP

David Gerszewski
David Gerszewski
answered on May 7, 2024

I would advise you to contact a probate attorney that can deal with contested matters. You will have to petition to the court if the stepfather doesn't withdraw. If the stepfather was married to the person that passed away at the time of their passing they may have priority as well. One way or... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Colorado on
Q: My sister's Probate attorney is not responding to my requests for information on estate--what recourse do I have?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 6, 2024

Because your sister's probate attorney represents her--not you--you shouldn't expect that attorney to respond to requests from you for information about the estate. Talk directly to your sister. If she refuses to provide you with information, hire your own probate attorney to represent you.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: If a former conservatee has been declared competent, then restates their Living Trust, can the court on it's own motion

If a former conservatee has been declared competent, then restates their Living Trust, can the court years later on it's own motion appoint a new trustee despite the Trustee's objection?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 6, 2024

Under California law, if a former conservatee has been declared competent and has restated their Living Trust, the court generally does not have the authority to appoint a new trustee on its own motion years later, especially if the current trustee objects.

Here are a few key points to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Pennsylvania on
Q: Last Will. I received a copy of my father's will naming his girlfriend as executor. I m a beneficiary. Any rights?

His girlfriend was named beneficiary. Went to lawyer who wanted $5k. She wouldn't pay. My 3 sisters n myself and his church are to evenly divide 50% of his estate but we do not have access to anything. We have never had a good relationship with her. As benefactors, should we be updated on... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on May 5, 2024

Heirs' rights?

Yes, you actually do have many. The best starting point is duties of an Executrix in PA, which are many, but the overriding drive is that every personal representative of a probate estate is to maximize the value of the Estate for the benefit of creditors and the heirs,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: Draft for Petition for Final Distribution: "The residue of the estate, insofar as is known to petitioner...

...consists of the assets listed as follows:"

Should all remaining assets listed in the I&A, but not specifically mentioned in the will, be listed as they were originally mentioned in I&A?

Ex: 1. $___ cash from checking account

2. ____ shares of ABC stock... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 5, 2024

Here are a few key points for the Petition for Final Distribution in this situation:

1. For assets that were specifically mentioned in the will and have not been sold, list them as originally described in the Inventory & Appraisal (I&A).

2. For assets that were in the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: Draft for Petition for Final Distribution: "The residue of the estate, insofar as is known to petitioner...

...consists of the assets listed as follows:"

Should all remaining assets listed in the I&A, but not specifically mentioned in the will, be listed as they were originally mentioned in I&A?

Ex: 1. $___ cash from checking account

2. ____ shares of ABC stock... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on May 5, 2024

When drafting a Petition for Final Distribution, it's essential to accurately represent the remaining assets of the estate and their disposition according to the terms of the will and the Inventory and Appraisement (I&A) filed with the court. Here's how you might handle listing the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Regarding sample Petition for Final Distribution (CA), section: SCHEDULE OF PURCHASES OR OTHER CHANGES IN FORM OF ASSETS

"Certain assets were disposed of or changed in form during the administration of the estate. All changes in investments are shown on Attachment ___, attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference."

There are stocks in the inventory. Per the company's request (PLEASE DO A... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 4, 2024

Under California law, establishing an estate account and transferring the stocks from the decedent's individual account to the estate account would likely be considered a change in the form of assets. This is because the ownership of the stocks has changed from the decedent to the estate, even... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Estate Planning and Probate for Connecticut on
Q: Hi, I have a question about joint bank account after a parent passes away.

My Father added my name on 2 of his bank accounts so I can write out the checks for him after my Mom passed away, he has now passed away and my Brother is the Executer of the will. Since I am the Joint owner on those 2 accounts, can he access that money? The Will states that he got certain items... View More

Nicholas Arthur Matlach
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answered on May 3, 2024

Here's some information based on Connecticut law, but please remember to consult an estate planning attorney for advice on your specific situation:

- Joint Ownership & Right of Survivorship: In Connecticut, joint bank accounts with the right of survivorship are generally presumed...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Georgia on
Q: My son has just died. He has children that are minors and is divorced. I was told I needed to go to probate court to get

His medical records as his mother. That’s all I need, all he has. Is this necessary and how hard is it

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on May 2, 2024

First, I am sorry to hear about your loss. As his mother, you may qualify as an heir who can file probate for his estate. If he left no will, you would be the administrator of his intestate estate. If he had a will, you would need to be named as the executor to qualify. Once you are appointed to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Washington on
Q: In WA does a legal heir have a right to a full accounting from the executor of where the estate's money is going?

I'm a legal heir in my deceased dad’s estate that is currently going through probate in Washington State. Under Washington State law does a legal heir have any legal rights to request from the estate's executor an itimized inventory of the estate's liabilities showing who the... View More

Janta Steele
Janta Steele
answered on May 1, 2024

Good afternoon,

Yes, it is possible to request an accounting from the the executor (aka "Personal Representative") of the estate under RCW 11.68.065 if your situation meets all of the following criteria:

a) you are a beneficiary with an interest in the estate;

b)...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate, Gov & Administrative Law and Military Law for Michigan on
Q: I have a probate problem and more than 1 question, is there someone I can speak to?

My dad died before I was 1, he wasn't married to my mom, he was a military vet (Master Sergeant) who served from 1941-1967 and died in 1977, I wasn't mentioned in his probate papers,bi was taken from my mom rt after and raised in foster care, I'm his only living relative and I want... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Navigating probate, estate matters, and military records can be complex, especially given the circumstances you described. Here are a few steps you can take to gather more information and seek assistance:

1. Military records: To obtain your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: The co trustee is stealing from the trust in New Mexico. Im having trouble getting bank statmnt/proof because law NM

New Mexico only the personal representaive can get bank stmnt

and mecical records I need to get records proof of everything. No probate filed. Quickly disposed of my fathers belonging while Im at burial

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation. Dealing with a dishonest co-trustee can be very challenging, especially when it involves multiple states. Here are a few steps you can consider taking:

1. Hire an experienced estate attorney: Given the complexity of your case, involving...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Florida on
Q: Is there a difference between 1)Waiver Comments: & consent - ( name of person) 2) Waiver Comments:/ (name )

My Grandmother had a revocable trust.

And the FIRST information I received a letter

waiver to sign . ( I can go into detail , if it Is private)

I question why only he the trustee and his kids only say waiver comment / (name )

And his sister and her kids say... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on May 1, 2024

The documents would need to be reviewed by an estate planning and probate attorney because there are a lot of things that can be waived and consented to and done so for various reasons. One of the big things is the naming of a new trustee and or accounting and so forth, in addition, there may a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate on
Q: Is share divident included in shares willed to the beneficiaries
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 30, 2024

Dividends are income generated by the stocks. That income is personal property that may be part of a bequest or the residuary estate. It does not go with the stocks unless the stocks go through the residuary estate, or there is a specific bequest in a Will. If no Will, then the next of kin... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Texas on
Q: Can I be legally evicted out of my parents home by a company that’s trying to buy the property? My parents are deceased.

My step dad brother is trying to sell the property. He has open a probate case and has been assigned Temporary Administrator

Alisha Melvin
Alisha Melvin
answered on Apr 29, 2024

The temporary administrator can handle the eviction if the court granted that authority in their order. There are many other questions that remain to answer this properly. Do you have an ownership interest in the property? If you are an heir with an ownership interest the administrator may need... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Q: I just discovered my father passed away and his estate was dispersed can I make a claim for his estates

Is there a time limit?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 29, 2024

In California, there is a time limit for filing a claim against an estate after the estate has been dispersed. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations.

According to California Probate Code Section 16460, if you were not properly notified of the administration of your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: I just discovered my father passed away and his estate was dispersed can I make a claim for his estates
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 29, 2024

Under California law, if you were not notified of your father's death and the distribution of his estate, you may have the right to make a claim depending on the circumstances. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Statute of limitations: In California, the statute of limitations...
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2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Civil Litigation, Collections and Probate for California on
Q: My mom died 3+ years ago w no will or trust. There's a mortgage but husband hasent paid.

Husband hasn't paid the mortgage, and signed an interspousal trans deed. Still haven't started probate but now property is going to auction by the bank. Can my sister and I take over payments? We don't want to lose it

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on May 12, 2024

Thank you for your question!

The facts are very unclear to give you an answer:

Was the husband's (H) inter-spousal transfer before death or after the death of your mother?

Did the H's deed the property from your mother's name to himself or from himself to...
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2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Civil Litigation, Collections and Probate for California on
Q: My mom died 3+ years ago w no will or trust. There's a mortgage but husband hasent paid.

Husband hasn't paid the mortgage, and signed an interspousal trans deed. Still haven't started probate but now property is going to auction by the bank. Can my sister and I take over payments? We don't want to lose it

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 27, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Under California law, if your mother passed away without a will or trust, her estate, including the property, would need to go through the probate process. Given that your mother's husband signed an interspousal transfer deed, it's likely that... View More

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