Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

confused

my grandparents moved into my aunts house after she died she was sole propietor, dont know if the lawyer they had adviced them to do it or not but he claimed he would help them gain the title to the house, they paid the lien that was in the house at the time and continued to pay taxes on that property and other properties she had. Now the only son she has left has petitioned to administer the estate, can my grandmother get all her money back from all taxes paid on the properties and how long does it take to get this cleared we need to find her a place to live she is 87 years old and can I sue the lawyer for misrepresentation. At one point my grandfather got deeds from the lawyer saying he was the owner of the house so why is this going on did he commit fraud?


Asked on 9/06/04, 6:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Chris Johnson Christopher B. Johnson, Attorney at Law

Re: confused

If there wasn't a will or trust giving them the estate (or portion of it), and if she wasn't married at the time of her death, your aunt's natural heir would be her son. Your grandparents may be entitled to reimbursement for the money they paid on the liens and taxes (which may be offset by the rental value of the property while they lived there). They'd need to put a claim in as soon as possible when the probate estate opens (usually they're due no later than 4 months from the time probate opens). They should consult a (different) lawyer to see what their rights and obligations are. Something doesn't sound right here, so another attorney should review the property titles and any wills/trusts.

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Answered on 9/06/04, 7:11 pm


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