In California probate and trust administration cases we often have to go find the money. There are a number of things we do.  These are often employed when I am hired as to represent a beneficiary. That is, they want to make sure the Executor or Trustee is doing things right and accounting for all the money. Some common things we do:

– Get old tax returns and check all the 1099s;

– Get the decedent’s credit report which can show loans on hidden assets;

– Title search anywhere in the country and, with some information can even look up old title history to find property taken someone else;

– Get copies of bank records and check for money coming in or going out in large amount or unusual patterns.

Beyond all that we can hire forensic accountants to dig even deeper and get into old records, cell phone bills, employment records, etc….

Hire an attorney and protect your interests!