Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

No Will

My father in law died a few weeks ago. We can not find a will. He has three children and a second wife that he has been married to for 25 years. He also owns a home and property where he lived in California. Do they split the property four ways or does his second wife get it all?


Asked on 7/12/05, 12:43 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Ken Koenen Koenen & Tokunaga, P.C.

Re: No Will

That will depend on how the title to the property was held. If it was held as community property, she will most likely get it all. If it was his separate property, she would be entitled to 1/3 and the other children would split the remaining 2/3.

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Answered on 7/12/05, 1:02 pm
Scott Schomer Schomer Law Group

Re: No Will

The children may get nothing if the property was held in joint tenancy. See a local attorney to determine whether it is necessary to open a probate estate.

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Answered on 7/12/05, 1:53 pm
Chris Johnson Christopher B. Johnson, Attorney at Law

Re: No Will

Community property goes to his spouse, and separate property is split 1/3 to spouse and 2/3 to children. However, check the title on the assets, as joint tenancy property/assets go directly to the surviving joint tenants.

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Answered on 7/12/05, 2:35 pm


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