Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
hi, my mother inlaws aunt in California has passed away and has made her the main beneficiary of the will etc and my mother inlaw is next of kin.
my mother inlaw is now in California at the moment trying to find out what process she has to go through. She lives in the uk. please could you give me any information regarding the process etc, it involves property, bank etc.
my mother inlaw is at a older age and struggling. so I need to help.
3 Answers from Attorneys
She should consult a trusts and estates lawyer in the county where the aunt resided.
How complicated and how long the process will take depends on the value of the estate and the legal form in which the various items of property are held. Generally, if a court probate action is required (likely), then your mother in law (or someone else better suited) will be appointed "executor" to administer the estate. Once it goes through the court process, the estate will be distributed to whoever is entitled to it. Attorneys in California generally work on probate cases for a percentage of the value of the estate.
I agree that your mother in law should contact a local probate attorney for assistance. If the aunt's estate includes real property, it is very likely that the estate will need to be probated, which will take some time.