California probate/trust real property case nightmare.
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I’m in California and self-represented in a probate/trust case involving a family home and disputed real property interests. I’m looking for guidance on how to find someone qualified who can review the case posture, filings, and next procedural steps.
My husband and I bought our home in 2006, with my mom in law( now deceased). The property was titled in MIL'S name, due to our credit scores at the time, however our income alongside MIL perfect credit score, got the loan approved. We never had it changed after, never thought about it. We have contributed substantially to the home, and believe we have an equitable ownership interest based on long-term occupancy, financial contributions, family agreements, and documents/photos tied to the home going back to the purchase period.
After my MIL passed away, my sister in law,after taking my MIL out of the home, a month prior,and unbeknownst to us at that time, had taken her to get a will drawn up, made my SIL POA, and put our home in a trust, then by false facted restraining order, excluded us from the home, my family of 6, removed our belongings,changed our locks, and put up security cameras. We could not return home, and the exact day our hearing was scheduled to tell the judge what had happened , my MIL passed away just hrs before. Our home was later sold to third-party buyers. We had given notice before the sale that the property was disputed and that we were claiming an interest.The broker moved the listing to a city 4 hrs away, until the sale was finalized. I have proof, 2 emails were sent, prior to the sale to her email. This broker was also under a probationary period at this time,in which similar occurances had happened prior.
We also believe the couple who purchased our home were not Bonified purchasers.
We are now in probate/trust litigation involving the home, trust administration, equitable ownership, possible wrongful transfer/sale, and related damages. We are self-represented because we cannot afford full representation.
What I need:
I’m trying to find someone who can review the case and tell me whether our filings, claims, and next steps make procedural sense under California probate/civil law. I’m especially concerned about upcoming hearings, discovery deadlines, deposition issues, and whether additional claims or motions may be necessary.
My questions:
Are there California attorneys, legal aid groups, law school clinics, or limited-scope attorneys who review probate/trust/property cases for self-represented parties?
What is the best way to ask for a limited-scope case review without needing full representation?
Location: Kern County California