Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
Treasure Hunter gets 50%
I received a letter from a man who said he had something for me that I had not yet collected. He said he could get it for me. He called me and told me he couldn't tell me any dtails until I signed up with him. I said No for a couple months but he kept calling and calling and writing. He knew details of things like my mothers date of death and the name of my father that I haven't talked to in 30+ years when I was 4-5 years old. He was very persistent and I eventually signed up with him. The contract said I had to give him 50% of whatever he got me. After I signed he told me about my uncle passing without a will (I was unaware of this) and I was probably looking at inheriting over $100,000. He has gradually paid me most of what he said he would over the last 2 years, but it seems he took advantage of me. My uncle and aunt got checks from a law firm that handled my uncle's estate for over $120,000. Can I do anything? His company is in California and my uncle died in Minnesota.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Treasure Hunter gets 50%
In this is a really interesting situation. Their numbers accompanies across the United States who find heirs to estates who are lost heirs or don't even know the estates exist. Many demand high percentages of the bequest but feel they are doing a service since without their company the individual would've had nothing to begin with. My question is why didn't move the attorneys handling the estate know you existed. If they had other heirs to which they were funding monies or other assets widened the know about you. It appears from your question that you were somewhat estranged from the family but that does not diminishe your right to inherit. What you should have done, and I'm sure you must know this by now was seeking the aid of an attorney it to review the contract and give you other advice before you signed. If there is no fraud in inducing you design the contract you're bound by its terms. I would still, if there is that much money at stake, have an attorney knowledgeable in both business as well as probate review the contract to see if there are any terms which have been violated by the other side, or if the contract is void or voidable for some other reason. You have the burden of proof and therefore you must do something affirmative in this situation if any damages do exist.i have been practicing law in this speciality for over 30 years in the san francisco bay area and if you wish to consult with me you can contact me at 925-945-6000.
Re: Treasure Hunter gets 50%
Possibly. You have to get the bounty hunter's contract, along with the details regarding distributions from your uncle's estate, to an attorney to review. There may be a reason why certain heirs received more than you did. Find an attorney in the same general area as the location of the bounty hunter's company.
Re: Treasure Hunter gets 50%
from the brief information given thus far, there appears to be elements of fraud and/or intentional misrepresentation here if you were not given full disclosure as to what exactly you were signing or who this person was or did for a living. in this case, you have very strong rights and legal options here. if you would like a free phone consultation regarding all of this, email us directly with your contact information today.
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