Free Consultation: (408) 985-9918Tap to Call This Lawyer
James Edward Berge
Berge & Berge LLP
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&A
Practice Areas
- Elder Law
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Fees
- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- California
-
Professional Experience
- Estate Planning Attorney
- Berge & Berge LLP
- - Current
Education
- Golden Gate University School of Law
- LL.M. | Taxation
- Honors: Cum Laude
-
- Santa Clara University School of Law
- J.D. (1986)
- Honors: Cum Laude
-
- Santa Clara University
- B.S. (1981) | Accounting
- Honors: Magna Cum Laude Alpha Sigma Nu
-
Awards
- Elijah Watt Sells Award
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Top 100 Score in the Nation on May 1981 Uniform CPA Exam
Professional Associations
- California State Bar # 126568
- Member
- - Current
-
Publications
Articles & Publications
- Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting and Administration
- University of California Continuing Education of the Bar
Certifications
- Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law
- California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
Websites & Blogs
- Website
- Website
Legal Answers
223 Questions Answered
- Q. In California, is a small estate affidavit suffice to open a estate account at Citi Bank?
- A: No. The only way to open an estate account is with certified letters testamentary or letters of administration issued by a probate court. If your situation is truly a small estate, then those persons rightfully entitled to the money through the estate should sign the small estate affidavit form claiming the money in their individual capacities, submit the form to the bank, collect the money and close out the account. There should be no need for an estate account.
- Q. Once a probate case is underway, is it too late to change to a spousal property petition?
- A: No, it’s not too late.
- Q. Father died, brother is executor of trust. 75% of all assets, I am living in house since 6/3/21. Caretaker.
- A: Sorry to say, but it depends on your particular facts and circumstances. If your brother has already been confirmed as the executor of the estate, he has a duty to marshal the assets of the estate and get them ready for sale or distribution according to your father's Will or by intestacy. That means taking possession of the house and getting it ready for sale or distribution. I'm assuming you don't have a right to stay in the house pursuant to a written agreement with your father or a right created under your father's Will. If your brother has not been confirmed as the executor of the estate, then he has no legal right to evict you. If he has been confirmed as the executor of the estate and you refuse to leave, you may be required to pay rent to the estate for your continued use and occupancy of the property dating back to the date of death of your father or perhaps the date that letters testamentary were issued to your brother. If you refuse to leave the house, your brother would have the right to evict you but only with proper notice and court approval. How much notice is required? That really depends on your particular situation. Eviction normally requires 60 days written notice, but there are other avenues available to your brother if he needs to evict you and each path has its own notice requirements. You really need to talk to your brother and reach an agreement on when you intend to move out.
Social Media
Contact & Map
There are no recently viewed profiles.
There are no saved profiles.
There are no profiles to compare.
