Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

My sympathies to your spouse. Sounds like they have had a rough year. Letters testamentary might be needed. It depends. If the stocks are worth less than $100k then you can do probate code 13100 small estate affidavits. If over $100k then you either need to do a full probate or a "Heggstad petition." Call me and I can give you more details on what would be the most efficient thing for you to do. -John

Depending on what the estate planning documents say, there are several alternatives to obtaining letters testamentary. Although some of them still involve going to Court, they will all be much quicker and easier. Please feel free to give me a call to discuss your options.

Jon Reich

310.478.2541

www,dwclaw.com

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Unless the value of the stock is $100,000 or less, some form of probate will be required in the county in which your mother in law lived when she died. I can represent the executor named in her will in any county in the San Francisco bay area.

Also my sympathies to you and your spouse. The above attorneys are generally correct. The best suggestion is to contact an attorney in your county to assist you. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Kai H. Wessels, Esq.