Some part of it comes back and the current owner comes after you for litigation etc.

California is one of the highest regulated, heavily litigated places on earth and their laws are constantly changing.

it is a civil offense, like a speeding ticket, $100 fine.  

I will do as advised if he refuses to move out like a civilized human being.

I work as a civil engineer here in Cincinnati, so I fortunately I get the inside scoop on a lot of up and coming developments in the area, which will help once I start making purchases. 

You have to ask yourself if it's worth it,financially.Probate is not cheap and your share of the proceeds will be sharply reduced with all the attorney and court fees.Plus,the original lawyer will want money for defending the estate from the lawsuit (whatever the reason for the suit).It could take a year or two to fight the sister and in the end,the lawyers will eat up the money from the estate over time.Unless the house is worth at least $200,000 or more as is without major repairs and upgrades needed,I would seriously question whether fighting the druggie Aunt is worth 2 years of litigation and court appearances.It is just my opinion as someone who has suffered through probate,don't take it for the gospel.

@Wendy Carbone,Re: Ownership ...Remember that even with an umbrella policy, your personal possessions are exposed.When savvy professional litigants (lawsuit-equivalents to professional tenants) see multiple properties in your name rather than a trust or an LLC they know there's probably an umbrella policy to go after and, if not, the owner's personal assets.

The only negative with military is some of the turnover and their ability to be released from the lease due to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.  

who has experience with litigation.

He is a new judge in civil matters.