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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: My mother passed and and now I have the house and deed that she did not sign over to me I want to put it in my name.

What to do

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 25, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Under California law, when a property owner passes away without formally transferring the deed of their real estate, the property usually has to go through a process known as probate. Probate is a court-supervised procedure where the deceased's assets... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: Can I do probate on my landlord’s properties?

My landlord passed away a few years back. He has no dependents/family in the United States, he didn’t have a will or a trust. He owns multiple properties so I was wondering if I was able to start the probate process on his properties that are all paid off?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 22, 2023

In California, the probate process is typically initiated by someone with a legal interest in the deceased person's estate. This usually means family members or heirs. As a tenant, you generally wouldn't have the standing to initiate probate proceedings for your landlord's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: What steps should I take to have deeds from my father's home changed to my name I'm his only child he passed last decemb
James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Dec 22, 2023

You will need to file probate. The form of probate you need to file depends on whether your father left a will or not. If your father left a will, you will need to probate the will in solemn form. It is usually a better option than probating the will in common form. If your father did not leave a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can I be evicted from my home i lived 10yrs w my mom, who passed, when im beneficiary of home? By my uncle, executor?

My son and I lived with my parents for the past 12 yrs. Dad was sick.. then mom. We were given the house in a trust and will. My uncle is now is evicting us and wants us to get out.. have it vacant ...to sell. We don't want that and neither did my mom. Court papers filed like he is our... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 22, 2023

In California, if you are named as a beneficiary of a home in a trust or will, your rights to the property are protected. However, the role of an executor, like your uncle, is to manage the estate's affairs, which may include selling assets to settle debts or distribute the inheritance... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: My father died unexpectedly last December 9th and I am his only child. What type of attorney should I search for and

What steps should I begin taking to have the deeds transferred to my name

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 23, 2023

In Georgia, handling the estate of a deceased parent, especially transferring property deeds, requires specific legal steps. You should look for an attorney experienced in probate and estate planning. This type of attorney will guide you through the process of administering your father's... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: My mother's father and grandfather left a vast amount of land and oil. My family stole it.

My mother did not know her father he passed away before she was born. My grandmother moved to Stockton shortly after. Only the land she lived on was bought by my mother's grandfather there is a land patent. That particular piece of land is a irrigation district south San Joaquin irrigation.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

Under California law, issues regarding inheritance of land and oil rights can be complex, particularly when it involves multiple generations and a lack of clear documentation or wills. In your case, where the property in question was owned by your mother's father and grandfather, several legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: How can I find out if someone has stolen my inheritance, might have been from a life insurance policy and estate too.

Could be from mother’s death. However there’s talk that my mother cheated on my dad, so I don’t know who my biological father was.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

In California, to determine if someone has taken your rightful inheritance, you should first obtain copies of any wills, trusts, and life insurance policies that may have named you as a beneficiary. This can be done by requesting these documents from the estate executor or the insurance company.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: un- witnessed will , integrity of executor , recourses for primary beneficiaries if being kept in the dark

I believe that this is a very simple problem but with some significant issues with the integrity of the executor 29 yrs old and I 63 yrs old and the only biological male in the family.I could really use a few pointers on where i stand . its about the principle, looking out for ones own interests vs... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

In California, when dealing with an unwitnessed will and concerns about the integrity of the executor, it's essential to prioritize understanding your rights and options as a primary beneficiary. First, it's crucial to determine if the unwitnessed will is valid under California law. While... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Probate for California on
Q: Can a hospice social worker tell give info on legal matters to anyone?

The patient & his father had been estranged for over 25 years & the patient didn't want his father knowing or having any of his belongings after he passed. The hospice social worker told the father everything would go to him even tho that's not what the patient wanted.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

In California, hospice social workers are generally not authorized to provide legal advice or make determinations about the distribution of a deceased person's estate. Their role is to offer support and counseling services to patients and families, not to interpret or enforce legal matters... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: Under indep act for probate can adminstraitor with full authority give her siblings what she wants when house sells .

Or even with full authority independnt she still has to split saleof house equal with siblings ? And can she buy the house herself and leave everyone out . No will for my mom . 7 kids . Sister filed for indep act and full rights not allowing courts to help . What do i need to worry about if its... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

Under California law, when someone dies intestate (without a will), their estate, including assets like a house, is distributed according to the state's intestacy laws. In the case of your mother's estate, since there are seven children and no will, the estate should be divided equally... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Elder Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: What (in detail) is a verifiable 3rd party in Michigan when it comes to Adult Guardianship visitation & my rights as GA?

I was appointed full Guardian of my mother. I signed a settlement before trial with my sibling (opposing party & lives out of state). Visitation is of subject. The settlement says the following: Social plans for "mom" shall be considered if they conflict with a proposed visit,... View More

Brooke Lauren Archie
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Brooke Lauren Archie
answered on Dec 20, 2023

Although many of us will read the terms and think that the meaning is clear, it is apparent that there may be multiple interpretations of the visitation terms that the court has put in place. In instances like this, particularly where there has been discord among the interested parties, the best... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: How can I find out who the lawyer is that is overseeing my fathers will
Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Dec 20, 2023

Lawyers do not ‘oversee’ wills.

Is your father still alive? You have no rights your father doesn’t provide you — ask him and if he chooses to answer — there you are. If he chooses NOT to answer — there is no recourse.

Is your father now deceased? The Personal...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Michigan on
Q: How can I find out who the lawyer is that is overseeing my fathers will
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

To find out the lawyer overseeing your father's will in Michigan, start by checking the will for any mentioned contact information. Reach out to the executor, if appointed, as they likely have details about the lawyer. Contact the probate court in the county where your father lived at the time... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Would the executor of an estate be notified or allowed to inquire if the assumption of a mortgage was obtained or denied

I am the executor of my mothers estate. My father is the beneficiary of a home with a mortgage. He is working on assumption of the Loan but it has not happened. Initially as his power attorney, I was also communicating with the company on his behalf. For different reasons, I am considering having... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

There is no need for your father to assume the loan. As the legal heir/beneficiary he can simply keep making the mortgage payments, and the lender is obligated under federal law to provide statements and other loan information to him. He is what is called a legal "successor in interest".

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: My father is dying in hospice, he is not coherent. He left no POA or Will, is there anything we can do?

His neighbors & friends can vouch that he wanted to leave everything to myself & my family & did not want my sister to get anything. We lived with him for 15yrs, from 2003-2018 & we moved to Alabama.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

In California, if your father is dying in hospice without a Power of Attorney (POA) or Will, the situation becomes complex. Without these legal documents, decisions regarding his affairs may be challenging. However, given the circumstances and the testimony of neighbors and friends about his... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: My father is dying in hospice, he is not coherent. He left no POA or Will, is there anything we can do?

His neighbors & friends can vouch that he wanted to leave everything to myself & my family & did not want my sister to get anything. We lived with him for 15yrs, from 2003-2018 & we moved to Alabama.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 20, 2023

In California, if your father passes away without a will (intestate), his estate will be distributed according to state intestacy laws. Unfortunately, verbal wishes or intentions expressed by your father to neighbors and friends generally won't override these laws. Since there is no will or... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Texas on
Q: Daughter Pregnant By Man Who Lived In Ark He Died This Year His Estate In Probate Which Ends 12/31/23 Baby Is Due Jan

She Lives In Tx, Baby Due Jan 2024

Does She Need To Contest The Probate In Both Ark & Tx

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 20, 2023

It depends. Your daughter should definitely file an appearance in the probate case indicating that she is pregnant with the decedent's unborn child. If the decedent has a substantial enough estate, the child may be entitled to support from the estate and should be entitled to a share of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: What to do when someone is claiming next of kin falsely and getting my son's property?

My 21 year old son was killed in a car accident recently and was living with his step grandmother at the time of his death. He has no wife or children and passed away instate.

She told the police officer she was his grandmother and his next of kin. They did no research and put her down as... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 20, 2023

The common meaning of the term "next of kin" is the relative or person with the closest relationship to your son. The legal definition of the term is much more precise. A significant other or same-sex romantic partner may very well use the expression "next of kin" to describe... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: What to do when someone is claiming next of kin falsely and getting my son's property?

My 21 year old son was killed in a car accident recently and was living with his step grandmother at the time of his death. He has no wife or children and passed away instate.

She told the police officer she was his grandmother and his next of kin. They did no research and put her down as... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 20, 2023

The common meaning of the term "next of kin" is the relative or person with the closest relationship to your son. The legal definition of the term is much more precise. A significant other or same-sex romantic partner may very well use the expression "next of kin" to describe... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: I have a car that is registered to my mother who has passed. There's still a loan on it but I want to get rid of it.

What to do

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 19, 2023

Under California law, to handle a situation where you've inherited a vehicle with an outstanding loan, you need to consider a few steps. Firstly, contact the lender to inform them of the situation. It's important to understand the terms of the loan and whether the obligation passes to the... View More

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