Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

living trusts

my two living parents chose my little

brother to be the executor. My older

brother and myself would not be

surprised if, at the last parents ''final

hours'' tries to change the living trust

to leave us out, making this possible

if one parent has dementia at the

time. FYI ... little brother lives 4 block

away, while my brother and I are

not, but still in Ca. What could I do to

prevent this? Try to ask to be a co-

executor, or ? And is it true in Ca.

that if there is property involved

(home) you need two executor

anyway?

I appreciate you commenting on this

matter. thanks,


Asked on 11/30/08, 1:35 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Phillip Lemmons, Esq. Phillip Lemmons APC, Attorneys at Law

Re: living trusts

An executor is the person who handles the estate through the probate of a will. A trustee does the same thing, through a trust. In either event, you're brother can't change anything without your parent's consent. If your parents lack capacity or are unduly influenced to change their will or trust, then the document can be challenged. There is no requirement in California that two people serve as executors or trustees under any circumstances. I'm getting ready to publish a book entitled "Inheritance Theft: a Con Man's Guide to Stealing Home." It will be available for immediate download in mid December. If you're interested in getting a copy send an email and I'll send you notice when it becomes available.

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Answered on 11/30/08, 2:40 pm
Todd Stevenson Stevenson Law Office

Re: living trusts

You could mention your concern to your parents, who might or might not decide to amend their estate planning documents to add you and/or your older brother as co-trustees or co-executors.

CA does not require two executors; one is enough to administer an estate.

If an amendment is created during a time that one or both of your parents has dementia, you can attack the amendment in Court.

Feel free to call my office if you would like to discuss this matter further.

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Answered on 11/30/08, 6:37 pm
Todd Stevenson Stevenson Law Office

Re: living trusts

You could mention your concern to your parents, who might or might not decide to amend their estate planning documents to add you and/or your older brother as co-trustees or co-executors.

CA does not require two executors; one is enough to administer an estate.

If an amendment is created during a time that one or both of your parents has dementia, you can attack the amendment in Court.

Feel free to call my office if you would like to discuss this matter further.

Read more
Answered on 11/30/08, 6:37 pm


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