Originally Posted by
Cataholic
The lawyer did nothing wrong, to report him/her would be mean spirited.
The probate court didn't do anything, the executor of the estate (or the administrator) hired an auction company to sell the property for one of two reasons. First, the debts on the estate (which include legal bills) are due and owing and there wasn't sufficient cash to pay them off. Second, the fighting factions couldn't agree on what to do with the real estate, so there was a court ordered sale, which was put in place by one side's attorney. The attorney would have petitioned the court to partition the property.
Anyone can buy the property, including Richard and his siblings, or a third party. To get to this stage of the proceedings, where there is a auction, one would have overlooked more than one piece of mail.
The debts of the estate 'deserve' to be paid from the assets of the estate, whether that be cash, bonds, insurance proceeds or the sale of any asset. It is just the way it is.
Richard, call the attorney that represents the executor/administrator. As one of the beneficiaries of the estate, he/she will talk to you. Was the a will? If so, how was the property left? To all of you? If no will, then it follows the laws of the state of Cali, according to the statue of descent and distribution. Usually it would be an even split among then living children (if the parents are both gone).
You don't have much time, but you do have some options.