Do you need lawyer to setup a will? or can we get it notorized?

California does NOT recognize notarization of wills. They need to be properly "witnessed" NOT notarized. As for the government taking all of your...

Do I need a living trust done by an attorney or can I do it myself and have it notarized??Can I exclude heirs??

Sure you can. And you can do your own brain surgery, too, but that's probably not a good idea either. There's an old saying that the person who...

Abrupt change in trust in a very questionable manner.

Call adult protective services in the county where your brother lives. What he has done could be considered abuse of the elderly. Also, hire a...

How does a person find an estate planner? What resources are there for evaluation of the abilities, fees, states they work in

There are a number of excellent estate planning lawyers in the San Rafael area. Take a look here: ...

If assets/accounts are not specifically listed in a trust and there is no will, the assets in his name go into probate, correct?

The son-in-law clearly does not understand his obligations as a trustee. Your mother absolutely should NOT hand over any accounts to him without...

It is usually a very bad idea to add someone's name to the deed (or to a bank account or brokerage account). If you were to get sued and be held...

What rights do I have and/or can/should obtain regarding my mothers health care and finances towards such.

It sounds like you need to have a court appoint someon as her "conservator". You need to contact an attorney who is experienced with...

My brother (successor trustee) is delaying settlement of trust in hopes that residence and stock values will increase.

If the trust provides that the assets are to be distributed to you and your brother (rather than having the trust continue for a number of years),...

How does one determine if they are listed as a benificiary of a revocable living trust?

Probate Code section 16061.7 gives you the right to receive a copy of the trust. Make a written request for it. If you don't receive it within a...

If a revocable living trust is established, does it negate the authority of a previously established will?

A trust does not "nullify" a will. However, when someone creates a trust, they usually also update their will. And since a will has no effect...