Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
My late Aunt had stock dividends in unclaimed money in CA. We were told it costs more to get them than it is worth. Why do you have to pay to get what is your money?
Asked on 3/21/13, 9:28 am
2 Answers from Attorneys
It is free to claim your own money that has escheated to the state. Once you die, however, you heirs have to open a probate case and be certified by the court as the administrator or executor of the estate before they have legal authority to claim escheated assets. If the dividends aren't worth meaningfully more than the cost of probate, it would not be worth it.
Answered on 3/21/13, 9:45 am
Kelvin Green
The Law Office of Kelvin Green
I suggest you read http://www.sco.ca.gov/Files-UPD/guide_claim_heir.pdf. It provides details on how claims are filed..if the estate was a small estate there may be alternatives to full probate
Answered on 3/22/13, 8:53 am
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.
