Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

If I was not included in the will do I have any rights?

I was a close friendsto an elderly lady thatI did work for and was paid for that. There were many times I took her to the doctor and to the hospital when she needed someone but did not expect anything in return. I was also there for her in the wee hours of the night when she was sick and lonely. Her children did nothing for her. She became ill and I was there for her till the end. She told the lady across the street that she needed to get out of the hospital so she could write a letter to her attorney about me. Once they started giving her moraphine she was not able to comprehend much. She died and the family shunned me. Many times she told myself and other people of the things she wanted me to have. She also gave me some belongings and I left them at her house. When she passed away, they would not let me take them. She always told everyone what she wanted me to have but never got around to making the arrangements.

Is there anything I can do?


Asked on 11/24/00, 3:28 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: If I was not included in the will do I have any rights?

You do not have any rights to any part of her estate if you're not in her will. The fact that she said she intended to give you a gift is not binding and is not enforceable. Anything that she actually did give you before she died would be your property. However, if the property was in her house and you have no witnesses or other proof that she actually gave it to you, your chances of collecting that property are very slim.

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Answered on 11/29/00, 4:09 am


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