Questions answered by Janet Lee Brewer

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Found Grandfathers old will, but he left everything to his wife who died before him?

Janet's answer | Answered on July 20, 2009

If the facts were a little different - that is, if your (step?) grandfather did not have children of his own, you might have been able to inherit a...

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Can i open the probate for my parents who passed away?

Janet's answer | Answered on July 15, 2009

I'm sorry about your parents' deaths. I'm assuming they lived in California. If they didn't, then you will need to consult with someone who is...

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Can I challenge an inheritence years after probate?

Janet's answer | Answered on July 14, 2009

I can't think of any legal basis for being able to challenge a Will more than 15 years after your father's death. You've waited far too...

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What basic steps was I suppose to do, after my friend died, leaving me executor and trustee ? Can I still do them 7 mos late ?

Janet's answer | Answered on July 13, 2009

The California Probate Code states that you are supposed to "lodge" the will with the probate court within 30 days. There's no penalty for failing...

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In California does a beneficary have legal right to review a Trust PRIOR to the death of the Trust owner?

Janet's answer | Answered on July 11, 2009

The siblings do not have the right to see Mom's trust BUT it sounds to me like the lawyer is leaving himself/herself open for a lawsuit. If the...

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My Mother passed away. My brother, the executor, owed her $10,000.

Janet's answer | Answered on July 11, 2009

I'm sorry about your mother's death. Based on the information you provided, it sounds like your brother needs to repay the trust; it would be...

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My father past away and left me one of his houses but he didnt have a chance to transfer names before his passing what do i do ?

Janet's answer | Answered on July 11, 2009

I agree with Mr. Foster. Unless the house is worth less than $100,000 (fair market value, not "net" after deducting the mortgage), it will need to...

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My wife and her sister will one day inherit a farm in iowa. What is the best way to avoid taxes on this asset?

Janet's answer | Answered on July 07, 2009

You need to meet with an estate planning lawyer in Iowa, where the farm is located. There are certain estate tax breaks given in the tax code for...

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California - Executor - First time in this position and seeking guidance

Janet's answer | Answered on July 05, 2009

If you are going to try to probate the estate without legal assistance, then I suggest you obtain Nolo Press's book "How to Probate an Estate in...

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Iam in a trust. mybrother is trustee and Iam beneficiary. He never sends me any reports on the trust. What are my legal rights?

Janet's answer | Answered on July 03, 2009

If your brother is not providing you with reports (usually, he would only need to provide them annually), then you can file a "petition to compel...

Janet Lee Brewer's Answers (1815)

Found Grandfathers old will, but he left everything to his wife who died before him?

Can i open the probate for my parents who passed away?

Can I challenge an inheritence years after probate?

What basic steps was I suppose to do, after my friend died, leaving me executor and trustee ? Can I still do them 7 mos late ?

In California does a beneficary have legal right to review a Trust PRIOR to the death of the Trust owner?

My Mother passed away. My brother, the executor, owed her $10,000.

My father past away and left me one of his houses but he didnt have a chance to transfer names before his passing what do i do ?

My wife and her sister will one day inherit a farm in iowa. What is the best way to avoid taxes on this asset?

California - Executor - First time in this position and seeking guidance

Iam in a trust. mybrother is trustee and Iam beneficiary. He never sends me any reports on the trust. What are my legal rights?