Contesting for a share in the will - granddaughter-in-law

[helpingmm]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

Hi all, this is my situation, regarding the will of my grandmother-in-law from a sold house:

My grandmother-in-law passed away last month, and the house where my husband, my mother-in-law, my grandmother-in-law(the one who died and owned the house), and I all live in, has just been sold. I, a granddaughter-in-law, was not in the will but I have extensively taken care of my grandmother-in-law as a caregiver for five years. In doing so, I was not able to work full-time or get a second job. Many distant relatives were in the will who hasn't had any contact with my grandmother-in-law in a long time.

Everyone knows this and I do have people who will vouch for me, if a witness(or representative?) is needed. I was very close with my grandmother-in-law, and everyone knows this also.

My questions are:

1. Do I have a chance to contest a share in the will?
2. If I do have a chance, what are the steps should I take? Should I contact a lawyer? Would it cost me anything even just to speak with a lawyer?

I am in a little financial trouble so I definitely appreciate any info. Thank you in advance.

 

[anteater]

1. Do I have a chance to contest a share in the will?

That is a non-starter.

You could possibly make a creditor claim against the estate for your services. But, in the absence of some sort of an agreement between grandmother-in-law and you that you would be compensated, that is a long shot.

2. If I do have a chance, what are the steps should I take? Should I contact a lawyer? Would it cost me anything even just to speak with a lawyer?

You can probably find a few attorneys that will give you a brief consult at no or low cost.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

It seemed so great when they were paying for your food clothing and shelter huh? Now the reality has set in.

 

[helpingmm]

That is a non-starter.

You could possibly make a creditor claim against the estate for your services. But, in the absence of some sort of an agreement between grandmother-in-law and you that you would be compensated, that is a long shot.



You can probably find a few attorneys that will give you a brief consult at no or low cost.

Thank you so much I was thinking it was a long shot, but I would be more at peace, knowing.

 

[helpingmm]

It seemed so great when they were paying for your food clothing and shelter huh? Now the reality has set in.

Only for shelter but yeah, reality has just set in.

 

[Eekamouse]

If she wanted to include you in her will, she would have.

 

[helpingmm]

Update: my husband and my mother-in-law decided to give me a share of the will so it's all good

 

[anteater]

Update: my husband and my mother-in-law decided to give me a share of the will so it's all good

As long as it comes out of their shares.... And from them personally rather from the probate estate.

 

[Eekamouse]

The OG effect is alive and well.

 

[helpingmm]

As long as it comes out of their shares.... And from them personally rather from the probate estate.

Yes, it will be coming from them personally.