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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Puerto Rico on
Q: Mom and dad are divorce and both names are on the property in PR, would the property go to my mom if he passes first?

Dad has 2 kids from his first marriage. Mom bought the home while divorced from my dad they remarried and before divorcing again she added him to the property per the lawyer request. If he passes away would my mom be able to sell the property with out any consent from his kids from first marriage... View More

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Apr 4, 2024

Having your parents divorced, the home becomes a community property, whereby both of your parents have an equal stake of 50% each. Upon either's death, the deceased parent's participation in the real estate will go to hir/her legal heirs. Prior to transmitting the succession rights, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: FL: Does selling a property through a Special Magistrate have rules/stipulations on what can be an acceptable offer?

I own a property 50% and an estate owns the other 50% - it is currently up for sale by a realtor but the listing agreement is about to expire and we have not yet sold the property. The executor of estate is threatening to file a Partition that would have a court appointed employee responsible for... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Apr 4, 2024

In a partition, the court will order the sale. The method of sale can be open market, sealed bid, or auction. If the parties cannot agree on a price to sell the property, the commissioner appointed by the court will set the price. It is likely though that the court would put the property up for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: I am representing myself in a probate case in CA and contesting a will. How do I write a Motion requesting a trial date

I am stating in the Motion that “In the above will contest proceedings, the discovery deadlines have passed and I am prepared to move forward with this case in a trial setting.” Does this sound correct?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

To request a trial date in a California probate case where you are contesting a will and representing yourself, you need to file a "Request/Counter-Request to Set Case for Trial - Probate" form (DE-150). Here's how you can proceed:

1. Fill out the DE-150 form, which you can...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Probate and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: The record when referring to litigation is everything that happened before judgement was entered or post trial too?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In California, the term "record" in the context of litigation generally refers to the official case file maintained by the court, which includes all the documents and evidence submitted to the court before the judgment is entered. This typically includes:

1. Pleadings (e.g.,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: What if successor waited 38 days, not 40 days since the death of the descendent. Is it still valid? Or can it be contest

Can it be contested by a beneficiary who was also an heir?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

Under California law, the waiting period for a successor to file for probate after the death of the decedent is 30 days, not 40 days. So if the successor waited 38 days to file, they are still within the legal timeframe.

California Probate Code Section 8200 states:

"(a) Unless...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate on
Q: Can a house go on the market and be sold pending probate?

The probate end is Oct. 17th 2024. Can I put the house on the market in July with a closing date of Oct. 17?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

In most cases, a house can be listed for sale while it is still in probate, but the sale cannot be finalized until the probate process is complete. This is because the executor of the estate must have the legal authority to sell the property, which is granted by the probate court.

Here are...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning and Probate for Illinois on
Q: I have a loan, the loaner passed away. Beneficiary is handing his estate and now want the checks made out to them.

I have a loan contract that the loaner passed away a few months ago. The person handling the estate just informed me that they are having issues cashing my checks that are made out to the deceased name. Now they want me to write the checks in their name going forward. They did not open a bank... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

It is very perilous for you to do what they are asking! What if they are lying about who the proper heir(s) is/are? You could give them a lot of money and then when the proper heirs come along you have to pay the real heirs all over again. Don't do it!

Keep making the checks payable...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Florida on
Q: FLORIDA PROBATE INTESTATE Is the PR required to have state certified appraisals on real estate for INVENTORY LIST?

There are 4 real-estate properties plus the homestead house.

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Apr 2, 2024

There is no legal requirement that the personal representative have appraisals done on the property at the time of filing the inventory unless ordered by the judge. However, if there is any doubt as to the value asserted in the inventory, you will want to file an object to the inventory asserting... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Colorado on
Q: In colorado how do I get a copy of my dad will. My stepsister says she is the executor of his will. But refuses to give

Me a copy. It has been about 6 week and hasn't been filled with the district court. Further more my step mum passed last June. And my dad did not update his will.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 2, 2024

You can ask your stepsister for a copy or wait until she files it for probate. Or you can file a intestate probate yourself as an heir of your dad and then, if she has the Will, she will either need to come forward with it or allow you to proceed with the intestate probate of your dad's estate.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Louisiana on
Q: My Grandparents left a will with the house in Monroe La. to their 2 sons, also on the will is my cousin and myself

before my dad passed (my uncle died 1st) he hired a lawyer and paid to have the house put in his name because he wanted to sell the property. my dad passed and the will has my cousin (my uncles oldest and me, my dads oldest) left on the will, I spoke to the lawyer about my dads passing and he said... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Apr 2, 2024

Sounds like you need to have a longer conversation with the lawyer to get a clearer understanding of what's the holdup here. If yoou are unable to have that conversation with the lawyer, then you may want to consult with a different lawyer in the area. Alternatively, if you have a personal... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning for New York on
Q: How can I find out if my deceased brother has any open bank accounts like savings or certificates of deposit?

I am my brother’s only living heir.

Bonnie Lawston
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Bonnie Lawston
answered on Apr 2, 2024

The best way is to run a social security search. However, if you were appointed as the fiduciary of his Estate you could contact the IRS and obtain a transcript to see what has been reported in the past, contact the local banks and other financial institutions and review all his records, bank... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Michigan on
Q: If a quit claim deed doesn’t say rights of survivorship is it void?

Deed is made out subject to quit claim deed made out at the same time.

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 1, 2024

A deed does not HAVE to reference survivorship to be ‘valid’ but it WILL impacct HOW it works.

Without seeing the deed and understanding exactly what your question is, an answer is impossible though.

I’d urge you to bring the document(s) to a licensed local attorney to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Probate and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: I am living in a home owners both died, in court over property rights utilities my name, 90days occupied. Gt CTed legal?

I found all the paperwork the deed the title and the living will of the previous owners that are deceased we have made improvements to the property and they've had no problem out of us all of a sudden we got ct'd even though all the bills are in our name they told us to move out... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it sounds like you are dealing with a complex legal situation involving property rights and occupancy after the homeowners' deaths. While I can provide some general information, it's important to note that laws can vary by jurisdiction, so... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Libel & Slander and Probate for Texas on
Q: Our parents died 37 hours apart in 2018. Their will was basic and simple just naming the other as beneficiary.

My then new born brother was named the executor. 67 years later both parents passed within 37 hours. Our mother was mentally incapacitated. My brother began his role as executor even though he had a long history of drug abuse, had been batteling cancer for 7 years in poor health. The farm was... View More

Ronald Lee Baranski Jr
Ronald Lee Baranski Jr pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 1, 2024

I'm sorry for your loss, In Texas a Will must be submitted for probate within 4 years unless the applicant can show a valid reason as to why it was delayed. Here there was no probate. I would be interested in how the brother divided anything if it involved real property. Though he could write... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Collections and Probate for Kentucky on
Q: My father passed with unknown debts. my mother is still alive and living on the property. Can they take the property?

We arent sure what debts are out there. We got a notice from an Estate Information Serivce trying to reach someone about my father's estate. We havent contacted anyone. But i want to know if my mother and their home is safe.

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Mar 31, 2024

Depends on whose name the property is in. You need to run a credit report on dad and see what debts you can ascertain are owed. Until you determine exactly what debts are owed, the property is far from safe or secure.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Is it illegal to hold back my signature to sell property held in a trust for reasons other than I disagree w/the terms?

I am a beneficiary in my grandparents trust, and it states that all beneficiaries must agree upon the sale of real property before it can be sold. My brother, who is also a beneficiary and a trustee, basically snaked half of my inheritance. I didn't have the money to contest anything or try to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

Under California law, as a beneficiary of a trust, you generally have the right to review and approve the terms of any sale of trust property. If the trust agreement requires all beneficiaries to agree to the sale of real property, you are not obligated to sign off on the sale unless you agree with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Probate and Small Claims for Arizona on
Q: Tenant now deceased. No contact with son in 60+days. 5th wheel still on my property. What legal rights do I have

Tenant lived in his fifth wheel but on my land Tucson, AZ. His son was here in Nov just after his dad passed, not heard from him since. At that time no will was presented. Can I put a lien on 5th wheel? There is a title on fifth wheel but I do not know whose name it is under. Father and son had no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

As the landlord, you have certain legal rights in this situation, but it's important to proceed carefully and in accordance with Arizona law. Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Attempt to contact the son: Make reasonable efforts to reach out to the son and inform him of the...
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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Ohio on
Q: My father died in a car accident in August, disinherited my brother and I in his will..

He left everything to my children (two minors ages 8 and 6) to be held in trust until they reach 30 years old. He owns a home which I know he would want to be kept for them. He named a family friend to serve as the Executor of the will and Trustee for the kids. Well we were evicted from the place... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

In your situation, it's crucial to understand that the legal dynamics surrounding estates, trusts, and real estate can be complex, especially when it involves minors and inherited property. Given the urgency of your eviction and the specific circumstances, seeking legal advice from an attorney... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Connecticut on
Q: Which state to file probate case in?

My father was a resident of Connecticut and owned property there, but was recovering in a short term rehab near me in Massachusetts at the time of his death. I can't seem to get a straight answer on which state I need to file a probate case. He was only in Massachusetts 68 days and intended to... View More

Gerald Shea
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Gerald Shea
answered on Mar 28, 2024

Your father's domicile controls, which is where he lived with an intent to return. If he has a CT condo, receives mail there and intended to return, then probate court for the town of his Connecticut residence would have jurisdiction.

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Connecticut on
Q: Which state to file probate case in?

My father was a resident of Connecticut and owned property there, but was recovering in a short term rehab near me in Massachusetts at the time of his death. I can't seem to get a straight answer on which state I need to file a probate case. He was only in Massachusetts 68 days and intended to... View More

Steven Basche
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Steven Basche
answered on Mar 28, 2024

Based on the information you provided, you would be better off filing in Connecticut. It sounds to me that he was a resident of Connecticut, and was only temporarily in Massachusetts. Also, because he has assets in Connecticut, the Connecticut probate court, would certainly have jurisdiction.

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