Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
is there anything we can do
when my dad died 18 years ago my stepmother had a will that said she gets everything which was 7homes property in the mountains stocks everything.She died june of 2005 and her niece told my sister that in her will she said that none of our dads kids were to get anything and that our stepmom left everthing to her and her family.Which we never recieved any paper work or copy of her will.Wouldn't they have to notify us or something.And is there anything we can do about it.She lived in Arizona and we live in california.
thank you--namremoved--
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: is there anything we can do
You can check the probate records, if any, in Arizona. I don't know Arizona law, but if you weren't named in her will or trust, and not related by blood, it's doubtful you'd have to receive notice. Unfortunately, if your father's bequest to her (or joint tenant assets) had no strings attached, she can leave it to anybody at her death.
Re: is there anything we can do
The first step is to check the probate records and then consult an attorney.