Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

How does a lawyer know his client has died?

A very secretive and very wealthy family friend of our's recently passed away. He always said, ''If anything ever happens to me, my lawyer will contact you.'' None of us know who this lawyer is, so we're wondering how he will know his client has passed away. Is there some sort of timely public records search law firms use for this purpose?


Asked on 3/21/01, 9:19 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Chris Johnson Christopher B. Johnson, Attorney at Law

Re: How does a lawyer know his client has died?

Lawyers do not routinely check death records, but perhaps your friend made other arrangements with his lawyer. More likely is that the named executor or trustee knows that he/she has been named and will contact the attorney to begin administration of the estate.

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Answered on 5/31/01, 9:52 am
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: How does a lawyer know his client has died?

anyone can search death certificates at the county clerks office.

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Answered on 5/30/01, 1:11 am


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