Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Re: Public Records

The web site for the Orange County Superior Court is: www.occourts.org. You can obtain some information about the relevant probate file by looking under the "probate notes" section. I would be surprised, however, if the organization actually obtained your file from this site, but it is possible. Most of these companies have individuals that go to the court on a regular basis and comb through the actual files looking for heirs like yourself. Probate petitions must list all heirs and therefore this information is public record, albeit usually not easy to obtain.

Re: Public Records

Atty Schomer is correct.

There are many services who get lists and sell them to companies. There are Probate filings, civil case records and police arrest reports lists available if you take the time to hunt the sellers out.

Re: Public Records

I don't think that information is available online, but it is public record, available to anyone going through new probate filings at the court. The file has your address and the estimated size of the estate. The website for the Orange County courts is www.occourts.org, but for the detailed information you're looking for, you'd have to send a written request to the court (instructions are on the website). You can also contact the executor/administrator's attorney for a copy of the court filings, and file a "Request for Special Notice" form to have future filings mailed to you.

Re: Public Records

The public record is the Superior Court. Probate records, including the inventory of the estate, are a matter of public record. Anyone can go to the court house and review the files. To stay on top of things, you should file a request for special notice on any procedings going on in the probate action.