Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
Heir, Land,
My deceased aunt left a nonvaluable desert property. I would like to transfer this ownership to myself. What steps do I need to take that would not cost more than the propety is worth? Taxes are $35.oo a yr. There is no will or trust.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Heir, Land,
Your aunt died intestate (without a will) and in order to transfer title to her property probate must be opened for any property she left in her sole name. The State has rules of intestate succession which give priority of inheritance to her children, then brothers/sisters, then parents, then aunts/uncles and niece/nephews. You may have to purchase or acquire the property from some other relative. If neither you nor her other family do anything the property will be sold for back taxes in a few years or may escheat to the state.