How can I reopen my father's closed estate in California (CA) so I can be appointed as administrator?
Can I reopen my father's closed estate in California so I can be appointed as administrator? Short answer: Possibly. In California you can ask the probate court that handled your father's estate to reopen the probate case if there is a legally sufficient reason (for example, undiscovered assets, fraud, mistake, or other grounds). You must […]
Read article →How long does it usually take to get an out-of-state will approved in CA probate?
Note: This is general information about California probate only and is not legal advice. Consult a California probate attorney for advice about your situation. Detailed answer — What to expect when admitting an out-of-state will in California probate When someone dies owning property in California but left a will executed in another state, California courts […]
Read article →What happens if the survey shows the property was conveyed out of my mother’s estate decades ago and I have no interest? (CA)
Quick answer If a current, recorded deed shows the property was conveyed out of your mother’s ownership decades before she died, the property generally is not part of her probate estate and you typically have no legal ownership interest. That is the usual result when a valid conveyance transferred title during the decedent’s lifetime. There […]
Read article →Can I recover personal items that heirs removed from the house before I took possession and enforce the court’s order? (CA)
Can I recover personal items that heirs removed from the house before I took possession and enforce the court’s order? (CA) Short answer: Possibly. Under California law you have both criminal and civil options. If a court has already ordered you possession or distribution of specific items and heirs removed or refused to return them, […]
Read article →How do I get the probate court’s permission to sell the property when the clerk’s office won’t explain the filing requirements? (CA)
How to get the probate court’s permission to sell estate property when the clerk won’t explain filing requirements Detailed Answer — step-by-step guide under California law If you need the probate court’s permission to sell real property owned by a decedent’s estate in California, you must follow the probate process for sale of estate property. […]
Read article →What steps do I need to follow as executor to sell real property to pay estate debts? (CA)
Quick scenario Hypothetical: You have been appointed the executor (personal representative) for a California estate. The estate owns a house but has little or no cash. Creditors are owed money. You need to sell the house to pay the estate’s debts. Below is a step‑by‑step FAQ style guide to what you’ll typically need to do […]
Read article →Can heirs of a deceased sibling be included in a partition action in CA, and how do I add them?
FAQ: Including heirs of a deceased sibling in a California partition action Short answer: Yes — if your deceased sibling owned a share of the property at issue, that ownership interest passes to the sibling’s heirs (or to the decedent’s estate) and those heirs are proper parties to a partition action. To add them you […]
Read article →What Happens to a Safe Deposit Box After Someone Dies in CA?
What happens to a safe deposit box after someone dies in CA? Detailed answer — how California handles safe deposit boxes after death This is a general, plain-language explanation of how safe deposit boxes are treated under California law. This is not legal advice. If you need help with a specific situation, contact a probate […]
Read article →When Can an Executor Be Removed in California (CA)?
FAQ: When Can an Executor Be Removed in California? Disclaimer: This article provides general information about California probate law and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed California probate attorney for advice about a specific case. Detailed Answer — How and when a court can remove an executor (personal representative) under California law In California […]
Read article →When Should I Use Solemn Form Probate in CA?
Understanding Formal (Court-Supervised) Probate in California This FAQ-style guide explains when to pursue a court-supervised (formal) probate administration in California, how it differs from informal or independent probate, and common situations where formal proceedings make sense. Detailed Answer — When to choose formal (court-supervised) probate in California California does not use the term “solemn form […]
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