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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: My step brother wants to use friend to sell house we inherited. No experience as realator. Can I stop this, he is truste

Myself my brother and step brother are the recipients of our parents estate, divided equally 1/3 each. Everything has been distributed except the house. My brother is Trustee, stepbrother is co trustee. Step brother is planning on useing a friend new to real-estate to sell the house. My brother... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 27, 2023

In California, as a beneficiary of the estate, you do have rights regarding how the estate, including the house, is managed. If your stepbrother, as co-trustee, is making decisions that you believe are not in the best interest of the estate or are potentially self-serving, you can take action.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it my responsibility or my brother's kids to give the probate attorney a death certificate for him?

In early October, my mom passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. She didn't have a will. She lived in Pennsylvania, and I'm in Texas, so I have to do all this from afar.

The probate attorney told me I would need death certificates for her. A few weeks ago, he told me he would need... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Nov 26, 2023

Determination of legal heirs where there is no Will is provided in the PA statutes.

Your PA probate attorney has this answer at his fingertips.

While it does seem that the brother's children would anxious to prove their entitlement to shares of his estate, it is best to give...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Small Claims for California on
Q: We used a Small Estate Affidavit to avoid probate and claim my dad’s bank acct, but the insurance co won’t honor it!

The insurance sent checks to my fathers name but we can’t deposit them, as we don’t have “official” probate estate open with the court.

We sent a demand letter to the insurance co to reissue the checks in my name, and they wrote back that it is “their policy” to only issue... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 26, 2023

Under California law, a Small Estate Affidavit can be used to collect certain assets of a deceased person without formal probate, but it's not universally accepted by all institutions. While it worked for the bank and vehicle title, insurance companies often have their own policies.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Probate for New York on
Q: Archive.com ad Familysearch.com provides death date information, is this acceptable?

With death information provided by this online site which also connects deceased family members with their other relatives, may I use this information in place of a death certificate? Thanks for your previous response.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 28, 2023

No, information from Archive.com and FamilySearch.com typically would not be considered an acceptable substitute for a formal death certificate in New York probate proceedings.

While these websites may provide genealogy information and death dates that they have collected, this informal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate, Family Law and Adoption for California on
Q: California Probate Statute 6454 I have been trying to find the answer to this question for awhile.

Is it the law of California; that after satisfying all the conditions of 6454, the statutory adoption of a minor is established as a “legal adoption before the age of majority” and bestows upon that now adopted adult all of the legal rights, privileges, and acknowledgments of a legal adoption... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 26, 2023

Under California law, Probate Code Section 6454 addresses the issue of inheritance rights in the context of adoption. This statute generally provides that an adoption severs the legal relationship between the biological parent and the child for the purposes of inheritance, unless the biological... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: Why do I need a letter of successor for a property that I own with my deceased husband?

Had a fire back in May of this year. Finally got the insurance check after my husband died. Mortgage company isn't accepting his death certificate as a reason he didn't sign the check. But are requesting that I send them a letter of success.

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Nov 26, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss on the passing of your husband, please accept my condolences for you and you family at this sad and difficult time. It is likely that you may need some version of probate, either a Summary Administration or if you really need Letters of Administration potentially a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for New York on
Q: Are death certificates required as supporting documents for new york section 1310 Administration?

As niece of a New York resident who died intestate and in petitioning for section 1310 Voluntary Administrator, must the filing include death certificates of the deceased parents as well as certicates for the deceased siblings, where only my parents had children? The only asset/liability is a $14k... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 26, 2023

In New York, when petitioning for Section 1310 Voluntary Administration, it is generally necessary to provide a death certificate for the deceased individual whose estate you are administering. This serves as official proof of death and is crucial for the legal process. However, the requirement to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Florida on
Q: I was left as beneficiary to150k in cash and 120 in stocks. Ive got a doctor letter staring he was able to make financia
Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Nov 25, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss and please accept my condolences for you and your family at this sad and difficult time ongoing. You will want and likely need to work with a Florida Probate Attorney if you have not already spoken to one, your question was cut off so you will need to provide... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Wyoming on
Q: In wyoming can a executor trespass a beneficiary from property In a will
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 24, 2023

In Wyoming, the role of an executor in managing estate property can sometimes involve making decisions about who can access that property. However, the authority of the executor is not absolute and must align with the intentions outlined in the will and the law.

If you are a beneficiary of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for North Carolina on
Q: If my spouse of 17years dies without a will and unmarried what am I entitled to

Unmarried spouse of 17 years dies suddenly without a will. He has a DBA business. After he died his brother helps my mom with arrangements. He ends up taking over the business. Out of good faith my mother hands him every title to every vehicle there is work vehicles included. Well one by one he had... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 24, 2023

If your spouse passed away without a will, the distribution of their estate, including the business and assets, would be subject to the intestacy laws of the state where you reside. These laws determine how assets are divided among surviving family members in the absence of a will.

As an...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Can someone give me advice about signing over part ownership of a property for the purpose of refinancing?

My mother passed away recently without a will. The property has a reverse mortgage balance. We were given two options either to sell the house or refinance. Her residence was in co-ownership. Per the deed, she left her portion to her heir which is myself. My Aunt is asking for the property to be... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Nov 29, 2023

There are a number of legal issues here. First, no one can verbally give away rights to real estate. The law says that all transfers of real estate MUST be in writing and signed by the person who is giving up their rights to the property. So, any verbal statement your mother made about you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Can someone give me advice about signing over part ownership of a property for the purpose of refinancing?

My mother passed away recently without a will. The property has a reverse mortgage balance. We were given two options either to sell the house or refinance. Her residence was in co-ownership. Per the deed, she left her portion to her heir which is myself. My Aunt is asking for the property to be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 24, 2023

In California, when inheriting property, it's crucial to understand your legal rights and options. Since the property was co-owned by your mother, and you are her heir, you have a rightful claim to her share. Before signing over any part of the property, it's highly advisable to consult... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: My dad passed. He wanted me to have his car. I have the title and I`m one of 3 POA's. How do I transfer his car title?

I am trying to transfer and register the car over to myself. I would like to know how I go about that.

Ira Markowitz
Ira Markowitz
answered on Nov 24, 2023

I’m sorry for your loss

The Power of attorney is no longer in effect upon your Father’s death

However, if he left a Tangible personal property list giving you the car or bequeath the car to you in his will you can get the car titled in you name

A Tag agency with that...
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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: .Sister filed a petition to administer the estate. Property in a living trust with me as successor trustee.
Julie King
Julie King
answered on Nov 29, 2023

If the person who named you in their trust has passed away and you are listed in their trust as the first successor trustee, you should be the trustee unless your sister's petition is successful. No one can successfully petition the court to take over a deceased person's estate simply... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: .Sister filed a petition to administer the estate. Property in a living trust with me as successor trustee.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 23, 2023

Under California law, if the property is held in a living trust and you are the designated successor trustee, your role is to manage and distribute the trust's assets according to the trust document's terms. This is typically outside the scope of probate, meaning the court-supervised... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law, Probate and Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: How do i navigate the death of my mother (was in process of writing a last will and test. but unable to finish)

Me, her daughter was POA in her living will but we hadnt been able to finish writing the last will and testament. I am to be the person to inherit her house and make sure it is available for her kids or grandkids to stay in if they should ever need a place We were talking about a dynasty trust or... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 22, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Navigating estate matters can be complex, especially in situations like yours where the last will and testament was not completed. As the person with power of attorney in her living will, you have a significant role, but it's important to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: What is Specific devise in regards to deceased spouse owned property

Spouses Sister is executor of the estate and her lawyer mentioned specific devise in regards to the house in deceased spouse’s name only.

I need to file a petition to transfer the property to my name.

The joint property looks like I don’t need to do anything until I sell it

Anita Nguyen
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answered on Dec 3, 2023

Transferring assets from a deceased individual to another party can be a complicated undertaking. To safeguard against potential legal disputes in the future, it is advisable to seek legal counsel from a lawyer who can assist you throughout this intricate procedure. Furthermore, the lawyer can... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: What is Specific devise in regards to deceased spouse owned property

Spouses Sister is executor of the estate and her lawyer mentioned specific devise in regards to the house in deceased spouse’s name only.

I need to file a petition to transfer the property to my name.

The joint property looks like I don’t need to do anything until I sell it

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Nov 22, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss and the passing of your spouse, please accept my condolences for you and your family at this difficult and sad time. Generally, and you should have the property deed reviewed and all documents reviewed by your own probate attorney, but generally, the property should... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: Can a person that is a temporary administrator determine who can live in the deceased’s home or who needs to be evicted?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Nov 21, 2023

No, a temporary administrator does not have the authority to determine who can live in the deceased's home or who needs to be evicted. This is because a temporary administrator is only appointed to manage the estate of the deceased until a permanent administrator or executor is appointed. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: I'm trying to remove a court appointed receiver from my uncle's estate.

I was notified after 6 months of his passing. The court never notified me, and they appointed a receiver.

His property has 2 county code violations. I'm currently the administrator of his estate.

I'm capable of resolving the violations and having the home and property... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 21, 2023

Under California law, to remove a court-appointed receiver from an estate, you, as the estate's administrator, must petition the court that appointed the receiver. This petition should demonstrate your ability to manage the estate's affairs, specifically addressing the resolution of the... View More

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