Under California Probate Code Section 8402, heirs not living in the US are not qualified to serve as Executor or Administrator to an Estate, however, this does not invalidate your right to your inheritance as either a will beneficiary or next of kin. Heirs in foreign countries, as well as the nearest consulate/embassy of that country are entitled to notice of probate as well.
As an heir, you have the ability to nominate someone to serve as Administrator of the Estate, to ensure you receive your inheritance. This can be a trusted friend or family member in the US, ideally in California for ease of managing the Estate’s assets.
You can also nominate a professional 3rd-party to serve as Administrator of the Estate. Nominees are expected to act in the best interests of all the heirs, and generally have the experience to see the Estate administered quickly and thoroughly.
At T.S. Wrobel Law Group, our experienced staff can help you prepare a Nomination of Administrator to begin the Estate process. We also have an experienced probate administrator, who can see the Estate from its creation to the final distribution with fairness, transparency, and efficiency.
You can contact our office today at 415-928-4161 for a free 20-minute consultation, wherein we will determine the best course of action to get you your inheritance.
