Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
My Father Left Me Nothing
I have not seen a copy of my father's will. My stepmother has led me to believe that she is the only beneficiary, with perhaps her two children, my half sister and my half brother, listed as beneficiaries as well. When my father was terminally ill, my stepmother informed me of his decision, and told me that the decision had been made jointly, by the two of them, based upon the fact that my brother and I had previously benefited from our own mother's death. I find it hard to believe that my father left me nothing. It seems particularly harsh, given the fact that he did not provide for me while I was growing up. I was raised by my mother. I do not know who my father's lawyer is, and I was never contacted following my father's death. I would like closure on this matter. My stepmother is in the process of liquidating my father's assets. She is planning to leave the country. Please advise.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: My Father Left Me Nothing
If your father's estate is being liquidated via a will, there is a probate. A copy of the will will be filed in that court file. It is, indeed, possible that the will was last minute, and that you can challenge the validity of the will based upon fraud, overreaching and undue influence of his wife in her desire to get the estate for herself and her children. Nothing will happen though if you are unwilling to contest the will. The first step is to look at the court file and the will.
Re: My Father Left Me Nothing
if no probate has been opened, you should retain an attorney immediately and file for probate yourself.
Re: My Father Left Me Nothing
Mr. Roth is entirely correct. Go to the various answers he and other of us have posted over the years as to the same problem to see more details and hints.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
