lindacarroll
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? California A friend of mine is in a battle with her 35 year old stepson over her late husband's estate. The husband wrote a will and trust two years before they were married and never updated it. During the 6 years they were married, the two of them built a house out of funds they earned working during the marriage; there is no mortgage. The land was purchased before the marriage and is in the trust. The stepson has no money and wants half of the value of the house. He is threatening to sue by using a lawyer on a contingency basis. Do probate lawyers typically work on contingency? Her lawyer wanted a $3000 retainer before even looking at the trust/will.