What happens if one of the heirs is a minor?

If one of the heirs to an estate in California is a minor, the minor’s share of the estate must be managed until he or she reaches the age of majority. In California, the age of majority is 18. A guardian appointed by the court or a parent of the minor will be responsible for protecting and managing the minor’s assets. The guardian is responsible for ensuring that the assets are managed in the best interests of the minor and used for their benefit. The responsibilities of the guardian include: • Investing the assets in a prudent manner. • Managing any income produced by the assets. • Keeping the court updated on the status of the minor’s assets. • Paying out money from the estate when appropriate for the minor’s benefit, such as for education or medical expenses. When the minor turns 18, the guardian’s role ends and the minor will receive his or her share of the estate in its entirety. If there is no guardian appointed, the county’s public guardian may be appointed to manage the assets until the minor comes of age. In either case, the minor is entitled to his or her share of the estate, but the court must ensure it is managed properly until the minor is of legal age.

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What happens if one of the heirs is a minor?

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