Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

"Helping" with a legal matter is a crime if you are not a licensed attorney, and we can be disbarred for aiding or abetting the unauthorized practice of law. So you're on your own.

I would go to a probate specialist ( an attorney) who can help you start a probate. Probate is one of the most technically complicated fields of the law. I realize money is tight (when isn't it?) but spend the bucks and GO SEE A LAWYER.

I prefer to not simply answer a good question with a response like - "get yourself an attorney." Of course, if you get a qualified attorney, it is best, but it may be cost prohibitive for you. Here's an alternative to Mr. McCormick's refusal to answer (why didn't he just not answer) or Mr. Seidler's advice.

Most courts have a website with a "Self-Help" section. Based on your zip code, I assume that you are in Riverside County. The court's website is http://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov. The heirs (not you, if you are not an attorney) can use the self-help section to find out what to do. If they are not in Riverside County, they can find the right court website at http://www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.

I hope this helps more than posting "So you're on your own."

I disagree with Mr. Saltzman and agree with Mr. McCormick. We cannot help you practice law without a license. If we did, that would be aiding and abetting the unauthorized practice of law. If you are not a licensed attorney, you have no business "helping" someone with probate matters.

I will note that I advised, "The heirs (not you, if you are not an attorney) can use the self-help section to find out what to do."