What is the name of your state? California
Father died in California with a will that says everything should be divided equally among his children. His only asset was a joint checking account he shared with one child. He had no debts other than hospital bills.
Do I need to start a probate proceeding? If so, how? What's the first step? Do I need an attorney?
Also, does the money in the checking account belong to the child he shared it with, or does it have to go through his estate in the probate process? And if it doesn't have to go through probate, does that money in the joint ckg acct have to be divided equally among the children?
Thanks for any help you can give.
Father died in California with a will that says everything should be divided equally among his children. His only asset was a joint checking account he shared with one child. He had no debts other than hospital bills.
Do I need to start a probate proceeding? If so, how? What's the first step? Do I need an attorney?
Also, does the money in the checking account belong to the child he shared it with, or does it have to go through his estate in the probate process? And if it doesn't have to go through probate, does that money in the joint ckg acct have to be divided equally among the children?
Thanks for any help you can give.