Oakhurst, CA Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

If your deed was done correctly (name of Grantor the same as the record name of the prior owner, which should have been the trust, the grantor was competent to give you the quitclaim deed, the legal description was correct, etc.), and it was recorded (you received the recorded document back), you do now hold record title to the property.  If you are receiving the property tax bills, you should relax - at least concerning this transfer and until your brother sues to have the deed rescinded (if he has grounds for doing so).  Having your brother so close to your mom does open the possibility that he might exercise undue influence over her.  I am assuming here that your mom's trust was fully revocable by her.

You will likely have to file a Petition for Probate (unless the gross value is less than $150,000) to clear title so that you can either sell it or put your and your brother's name on it. I suggest speaking with a probate attorney. Even though probate fees are set by statute, they can still be negotiated so keep that in mind. Good luck.