Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

A "reading of the will" is something that only happens in the movies. Usually an estate takes 9 months to a year to settle for reasons having to die with estate tax returns and possible claims by the decedent's creditors.

That's in the movies. In reality, there is no reading of the will like it is shown on TV and the movies. It's done that way, because it is more dramatic and suspenseful. In California, the will needs to be filed with the court, and probate opened.

If a real probate case were the subject of a movie, the movie would flop because it is so boring.

Your father's will will have to be probated in Court. As a beneficiary you are entitled to receive notice of various matters. You should get in touch with your father's executor right away and request in writing both a copy of his will and copies of any papers that have been filed in the Court. You can alos check on the web site for the Superior Court in the County where your father lived to see if a probate has been filed. You need to be proactive to insure that you get the information that you are entitled to. If you need help, we would be glad to assist you.

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