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Probate Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Probate for California on
Q: How to transfer real property from my deceased stepdad's name to my name (the only child)?

I have already done the Declaration of Small Estate appraisal with a referee. What do I do next if the property is only valued at $41,200.00?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 25, 2024

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Complete the small estate affidavit: Fill out the "Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property" (Form DE-305) and attach the certified copy of the death certificate.

2. Obtain consent from other heirs (if any): If there are other heirs,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Texas on
Q: My mother passed away recently and had a will. She was in a nursing home when she passed, so she had a very small estate

She had no real property, no vehicles, a small life insurance policy, and small bank account. If the will has to be probated, do I need an attorney or can I as the executor handle this? Does the will need to be probated?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 25, 2024

To probate your mother's will, you need an attorney. You may be able to probate the will as a muniment of title under the circumstances. Probating a will in Texas is a relatively simple straightforward process for an attorney familiar with probate law. Unless someone contests the will, it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: Can a temporary administrator sell community property before separate property to pay deceased person debts?
Gratia "Grace" P. Schoemakers
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answered on Apr 24, 2024

It depends on what the order says. A Temporary Administrator is a very limited appointment, the order that appoints them will say exactly what they can do. If it is not listed they can not do it.

If you have questions as to what the order means, or you believe that the order was given...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Michigan on
Q: Can someone build a small house on property that is in our dads name but is in an estate/probate.

Our dad passed away 11 years ago and my mom 1 year ago. Right now the property is in an estate and my sister wants it and started building on it already. And shouldn't she buy the other siblings out?

David Soble
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David Soble
answered on Apr 24, 2024

It will depend on what the Letter of Authority provides- whether the property can be sold or mortgaged during a time that the estate action is open, will be determined by the Court. Additionally, it will depend on whether the decedent died intestate or not - but it is not uncommon that one or more... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Oregon on
Q: I am married. No kids. My wife-I own a house. QUESTION: if I die first, does my wife get the house clean immediately?

We live in Oregon. No Will or Trusts. Want to avoid any probate issues.

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Apr 24, 2024

As long as you and your wife own the house "as husband and wife" or "as tenants by the entirety" on the Deed then the house will automatically go to the surviving spouse. They will just need to record the Death Certificate with the County to clear title. If your Deed does not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Oregon on
Q: I own 50% of a beach cabin in Oregon. If I die, does my wife receive my 50% share? Want to avoid probate court.

We have no Will or Trusts. No kids. Want a clean/fast transfer of my 50% ownership to her.

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Apr 24, 2024

The answer to your question depends on the wording on the Deed for the cabin. It's possible that the Deed includes language like "with right of survivorship." In that case, if you die first, the other 50% owner will automatically inherit your share of the cabin. If the Deed does... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Oregon on
Q: Can probate be closed before home is sold? With two equal beneficiaries, would that require co-ownership of the home?

Oregon

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Apr 23, 2024

Yes, if all creditors and taxes have been paid in full, it is possible to close a probate and Deed the house to the two beneficiaries. This works fine as long as the beneficiaries get along well. If they do not then it is best to sell the house and divide the sales proceeds.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Probate for Ohio on
Q: My mom died in Ohio and I'm executor in her Will, which doesn't list her mortgage. What happens to it? Probate required?

In Mom's Will, there is no mention of her mortgage or who inherits the house. Neither child wants it. Small, inexpensive estate and we can't find anything on life insurance. Who pays mortgage? Can I as executor sell it? Am I legally still required to pay on the house until it is sold?... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 22, 2024

I'm so sorry for your loss. Dealing with a parent's estate can be complicated, especially when there are outstanding debts like a mortgage. Here's some general information, but I would strongly recommend consulting with a probate attorney in Ohio to get specific legal advice for your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: My grandmother had 4 kids. 2 passed away. Can the other 2 take off the names of those who passed.

Do the children of the ones who passed have legal rights to the house?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 22, 2024

Under California law, the rights of the deceased children's heirs (including their own children) to the grandmother's house depend on several factors:

1. Whether the grandmother left a will: If the grandmother had a valid will that specified how her estate should be distributed,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Tennessee on
Q: If my father passed does his will over ride a life estate? In TN

Life estate says me and my brother are remainderman but the will issues everything to my mother. Can she do what she wants with said land?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 22, 2024

Will means nothing until the testator dies and the Will Probated. It can always be changed. You might be interpreting the devises, bequests and residuary clause incorrectly. Father may want to execute a life estate/remainder deed now. If there are really the inconsistent transfers in the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: My dad died in 1979 and his wife tried to steal estate she died 3 yrs later but hired lawyer they hid trust

I cant find my dad's estate house, trust and alot of mineral rights but can't afford lawyer how can I find them I'm representative of estate only child only heir but she hid in her aka names

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 19, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing regarding your father's estate. Here are some steps you can take to try to locate the assets without hiring a lawyer:

1. Check county records: Visit the county recorder's office where your father's properties...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Rhode Island on
Q: Are there any consequences regarding an executor in another state that does not probate a vehicle registered and houses?
Albin Moser
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answered on Apr 19, 2024

One of the purposes of probate is to make sure there is clear title to assets, so if there is no trust or other means of non probate transfer of these assets then yes, they need to be probated. But, concerning the houses, check the deeds to see if they were owned with any other person or placed in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Missouri on
Q: Removed from will in codicil but still in letters testamentary of administration. Will I get what is listed?

If I am removed from a will due to a codicil but I am mentioned in a application for letters testamentary, will I receive what is stated or will I have to fight the codicil?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 19, 2024

If the Codicil is admitted to Probate, then it modifies the Probated Will. If you have interpreted it correctly, then you receive nothing. But Codicils have to be drafted and executed properly, so you may wish to contest the Codicil. Hire a MO attorney to look at the Probate file.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Washington DC on
Q: If I went and filled a will with the courts and was appointed executor would any new wills have to be contested

I filed my father’s will and was appointed executor by the courts but a few days after I did this someone else has presented a new will. Would they have to contest mine since the court already filed it or would theirs automatically be valid since it was more recent? And would they automatically... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Apr 19, 2024

The Register of Wills will automatically convert the proceedings to Judicial Probate, and schedule a hearing to determine which Will is valid. You will likely be converted from a PR to a Special Administrator, which limits what you can do, pending determination by the court as to which will is the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Florida on
Q: Explain "any person entitled to exempt property is required to a file a petition for determination of exempt property

My mother had property that was going to be auctioned off in 2021. She did a quit deed to me. She died in 2023. This property should not be part of the estate. Wondering if I have to declare this in any way. Is this exempt property?

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Apr 19, 2024

You really need to work with and speak with a Florida Probate Attorney, but generally, the laws related to exempt property you can find in Florida Statute 732.402 (in part below):

(2) Exempt property shall consist of:

(a) Household furniture, furnishings, and appliances in the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Florida on
Q: I was left a home that was in a trust, the home was sold.

My friends will in Florida left me her home which was in her trust. The trustee decided that she should be in a assisted living facility so the home was sold and the proceeds invested in the trust accounts. The trustee says that I am not entitled to the proceeds of the sale of the home and that... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Apr 18, 2024

Correct. You have no property rights to the house or to the proceeds of the sale. The Will becomes effective upon death. The trustee is free to dispose of the house to benefit the settler (your friend) during her/his lifetime.

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Probate for Indiana on
Q: is there a limit on the amount of fee that can be charged to the owner of a tax sale property when claiming the surplus

by a third party/bounty hunter company?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

The laws regarding tax sale property surplus funds and the fees that third-party companies can charge for assisting owners in claiming those funds vary by state and jurisdiction. Many states do have limits on the fees that can be charged, but the specifics differ.

For example:

1. In...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Probate for Puerto Rico on
Q: How do probate laws in NY and PR affect each other? My late husband's properties will be in probate simultaneously.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

Probate laws in New York (NY) and Puerto Rico (PR) are separate and distinct, as they are two different jurisdictions. However, if your late husband owned properties in both NY and PR, the probate process will need to be initiated in each jurisdiction simultaneously. Here's what you should... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Minnesota on
Q: I recently found out my mom had a life insurance policy at her time of death in 2010 that my brother received because he

Was next of kin. Without informing me the money was split up between my 2 brothers and 1 sister and I didn't receive a dime. What can I do to get my fair share of the money I'm owed?

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Apr 18, 2024

The specific facts of the situation will dictate how you should proceed. There are numerous questions that need to be answered. To start:

Have you confronted him?

The insurance company should have contacted all beneficiaries directly. Why didn't this happen?

How was...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: What is the Dead Man's Statute?

My father passed away, his wife refused to give his children his estate documents. I filed a petition with the court and her response stated - "I am aware that; I and my husband, prepared a Revocable Living Trust on or about July 11, 2023. Shortly after creating the Trust, my husband,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 17, 2024

In California, the Dead Man's Statute, also known as the Evidence Code Section 1261, limits the admissibility of statements made by a deceased person in certain legal proceedings. The statute is designed to protect the estate of a deceased person from fraudulent claims.

Under the Dead...
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