Both my mom and I own our house . Is it best to have her gift her half of the house to me now or wait until she passes.

No. Gift not a good idea for too many reasons to list in this forum. Tax avoidance and probate avoidance can be achieved with Revocable Living...

My mother promised me her house and I agreed to let her live there till death but nothing is in writing. I live in Calif.

Oral promise related to interest in real property is not enforceable. Reference California Statute of frauds. No. Quitclaim is bad idea for too...

Will that has not passed through probate court in California

Maybe. Some observations and methods to obtain copy: -If Will lodged with Court, you may obtain copy. -Request copy from sibling. -Check...

Can I exclude my mother from inheriting my brother's estate due to childhood abuse and over a decade long estrangement?

No. You cannot exclude parents from inheriting from deceased brother. Parents are legal heirs. Only possible exception is California Probate...

Where can I find attorney or para legal to review a legal document, Probate final distribution.

Good referral sources include: AVVO, Los Angeles County Bar Association, South bay Bar Association. I suggest you use experienced probate...

Do I need a bank law attorney or a real estate attorney? Or both?

First step is to transfer title to property to heirs or beneficiaries. Probate required. Next step is to deal with financing. If bank is not...

Can a minute order stating that two cases are not related be appealed?

Yes. Cases appear related. Only final judgments and appealable orders may be appealed. Yes. Minute Order can be appealed. Reference...

No. Copy cannot be lodged with court. Only original can be lodged. However, Copy can be used for probate if properly authenticated. To avoid...

You may not file Small Claims suit at this time without relief and permission to do so from BK court. Debtor is protected by BK Automatic Stay...

My father has a judgment lien and trying to sell his house, how likely is the lien holder to negotiate to a lower amount?

Depends. Some lenders more likely than others to negotiate reduced amount and payment terms. Yes. Homestead exemption does apply. Contact BK...