If you’ve ever found yourself blindsided because a trustee or executor sold off assets without telling you, you’re not alone. In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up, I’m sharing the real-life story of a client who found out on Facebook that his father’s house was for sale—and what we did to stop it.

I’ll explain your legal rights as a beneficiary, what you can do to take action immediately, and why moving quickly can make all the difference. You’ll also hear practical legal tools like notices of proposed action, lis pendens, and injunctions that help put the brakes on a trustee gone rogue.

Remember, you deserve transparency. Even if you weren’t named as trustee or executor, you still have a right to information—and the law is there to back you up.

• What to do when you discover a secret sale
• Steps you can take to freeze assets before they disappear
• When to go to court for emergency orders
• Trustee obligations and what happens if they breach their duty
• Why you can (and should) fight for your inheritance

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Trustee Selling Property Without Notice?

01:30 – What trustees and executors must do for beneficiaries

03:10 – Real-life example: discovering a home was sold online

04:50 – Red flags to look out for

06:30 – Steps to take immediately if a trustee goes rogue

08:10 – Injunctions and lis pendens explained

10:20 – How to demand information and an accounting

12:10 – Petitioning the probate court for trustee removal

13:50 – Why you need to act fast—and what happens if you wait

15:00 – Final thoughts: protecting your inheritance and your rights

If you’re feeling lost, angry, or betrayed, I hope this episode reminds you that you have power. Let’s protect what’s yours before it’s too late.

Subscribe to Gavels Down, Voices Up for more legal insights, and visit gettingdivorcednowwhat.com to grab a free chapter of my book!

Ready to learn more about Rachel King:

Website: https://rachelkingattorney.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelawyerking/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelkinglaw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZIOh5b6kNo3KYojIA8vKw?si=91205d1a16194e67

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Rachel's book, "Getting Divorced: Now What?", is now available. Visit https://rachelkingattorney.com/ for more information and to get your copy.

#ProbateHelp #TrusteeAccountability #ExecutorResponsibilities #StopTheBleed #ProbateLawyer #BeneficiaryRights #InheritanceProtection #RachelKingLaw #GavelsDownVoicesUp

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When someone passes away without leaving clear instructions, chaos can follow—legal chaos, family chaos, emotional chaos. In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up, I break down exactly what happens when your loved one dies without a will in California. From courtroom confusion to family feuds, I’ll guide you through the messy middle and show you how to come out the other side informed, empowered, and prepared.

• What constitutes a valid will (and how to search for one)
• Who becomes executor if there’s no will
• How California determines inheritance through the Probate Code
• How to create a family tree to identify heirs
• Why hiring a probate attorney can save time, money, and stress

Subscribe to never miss an episode. Next week, we’re diving into Conservatorships—what they are and why you need to know.

Ready to learn more about Rachel King:

Website: https://rachelkingattorney.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelawyerking/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelkinglaw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZIOh5b6kNo3KYojIA8vKw?si=91205d1a16194e67

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Rachel's book, "Getting Divorced: Now What?", is now available. Visit https://rachelkingattorney.com/ for more information and to get your copy.

#GavelsDownVoicesUp #RachelKing #NoWill #ProbateLaw #EstatePlanning #CaliforniaProbate #LegalAdvice #ExecutorTips #FamilyLaw #Podcast #LegalPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you think elder abuse only looks like bruises or hospital visits, think again. In this episode, I’m talking about the kind of abuse that happens quietly—through manipulation, isolation, and financial control. I’ve seen it happen with caregivers, neighbors, and even adult children. And I’m here to walk you through what to look for and how to stop it.

We’ll talk about the red flags of undue influence, the emotional tactics used to pressure seniors, and the legal tools available to protect them—whether you're stepping in as a family member, friend, or advocate.

• How emotional manipulation turns into financial exploitation
• The difference between physical elder abuse and financial elder abuse
• Why a senior doesn’t need to lack capacity to be a victim
• Legal steps to stop abuse, even after a loved one has passed
• How restraining orders, emergency filings, and court action can help
• Why you don’t need proof—just concern—to get started

If your gut’s telling you something isn’t right with someone you love—listen to it. You don’t have to be 100% sure, and you don’t need a smoking gun to start asking questions. Elder abuse often hides in plain sight, and the sooner you step in, the better chance you have of protecting someone who can’t speak up for themselves.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend, talk about it with your family, and know that I’m here when you’re ready to take action. You are not alone in this.

Subscribe to Gavels Down, Voices Up for more legal insights, and visit gettingdivorcednowwhat.com to grab a free chapter of my book!

Ready to learn more about Rachel King:

Website: https://rachelkingattorney.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelawyerking/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelkinglaw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZIOh5b6kNo3KYojIA8vKw?si=91205d1a16194e67

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Rachel's book, "Getting Divorced: Now What?", is now available. Visit https://rachelkingattorney.com/ for more information and to get your copy.

#ElderAbuseAwareness #UndueInfluence #FinancialAbuse #ProtectGrandma #ElderRights #LegalHelpForSeniors #StopTheSilence #RachelKingAttorney #FamilyLawSupport #GavelsDownVoicesUp

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.