Dying intestate

[RSuave]

My mother was a resident in the state of California. She did not have a will and my father passed away 7 years ago. I have 4 siblings. My sister claims to have found a piece of paper stating that everything, including property, were to go to one of my brothers. What are my rights?

 

[ALawyer]

IF there is a VALID WILL, the beneficiary named in it would take everything, if that's what the Will said.raphic Will)

Whether the "piece of paper" is a valid Will is another question. It depends on exactly what it says, when it was prepared (was she mentally competent then), how it was prepared (all in her handwriting -- if so, holographic wills are legal in CA; of if not, was it properly witnessed?) and the circumstances when it was made (if at gunpoint, or under duress, it easily could be challanged).