Legal Question in Family Law in California

inheritance or probate.

Dear Free Legal Help:

I have some questions about inheritance or probate.

My father used to tell me that one of his relatives emigrated to the

USA in 1935 from (what was then) Eastern Poland, and became rich by

dealing with oil. Until recently, no one took that story seriously. This

territory was annexed by Red Army in 1939 and all connections

was impossible because of WW|| and �cold war�.

However, in July 2008, I received a letter from a law organization of

the country of BELARUS, asking for help finding an heir of a person

that passed away here in the United States.

Two things in the letter make me feel I might be the closest relative:

1. Last name of one of ancestors matches my grandmother's maiden name.

2. They are searching in area of Belarus, where my father was born.

All I know right now is the name of Decedent and the names of her parents.

My questions are:

1) Are there deadlines, in case want to try proving that I am the rightful heir?

2) Is there a way to trace this letter from Belarus to an inheritance

or probate case that must have been filed somewhere in the USA, and

which prompted that letter?

Sincery,

Bronia


Asked on 7/31/08, 12:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: inheritance or probate.

Before you respond to the email check it out throughly. It has the ring of the internet scam that started in Nigeria. Contact the consulate for the country in which this inheritance is located. Also check with the California and Federal attorney generals and the US state department. An inheritance from conduct in 1939 being found recently would appear to be unlikely to be valid. These scams are seeking personal information to be sold to thieves that will use your name to obtain credit and make credit card purchases.

Read more
Answered on 8/05/08, 4:11 pm


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