citation: PROB § 12523

text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), if a will of a nondomiciliary decedent was admitted to probate, or established or proved, in accordance with the laws of a foreign nation, the court shall admit the will to probate in this state, and may not permit a contest or revocation of probate, if it appears from the order admitting the will to probate in the foreign nation, or otherwise appears, that all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The determination in the foreign nation is based on a finding that at the time of death the decedent was domiciled in the foreign nation.

(2) All interested parties were given notice and an opportunity for contest in the proceedings in the foreign nation.

(3) The determination in the foreign nation is final.

(b) The court may refuse to admit the will, even though it is shown to satisfy the conditions provided in subdivision (a), where the order admitting the will was made under a judicial system that does not provide impartial tribunals or procedures compatible with the requirements of due process of law.


kind: section

code: PROB

citation: PROB § 12524

text: A nondomiciliary decedent’s will admitted to probate under this article has the same force and effect as the will of a person who dies while domiciled in this state that is admitted to probate in this state.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1990, Ch. 79.)

part: 13. NONDOMICILIARY DECEDENTS

chapter: 2. Ancillary Administration

path: 7. ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES OF DECEDENTS > 13. NONDOMICILIARY DECEDENTS > 2. Ancillary Administration > 2. Probate of Nondomiciliary Decedent’s Will Admitted to Probate in Sister State or Foreign Nation


citation: PROB § 12530

text: Except to the extent otherwise provided in this chapter, ancillary administration of a decedent’s estate is subject to all other provisions of this code concerning the administration of the decedent’s estate, including, but not limited to, opening estate administration, inventory and appraisal, creditor claims, estate management, independent administration, compensation, accounts, payment of debts, distribution, and closing estate administration.

article: 3. Application of General Provisions

path: 7. ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES OF DECEDENTS > 13. NONDOMICILIARY DECEDENTS > 2. Ancillary Administration > 3. Application of General Provisions


citation: PROB § 12540

text:
(a) If a person dies while domiciled in a sister state, the court in an ancillary administration proceeding may make an order for preliminary or final distribution of all or part of the decedent’s personal property in this state to the sister state personal representative if distribution is in the best interest of the estate or interested persons.

(b) The court order shall be made in the manner and pursuant to the procedure provided in, and is subject to the provisions of, Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 11600) of Part 10.

path: 7. ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES OF DECEDENTS > 13. NONDOMICILIARY DECEDENTS > 2. Ancillary Administration > 4. Distribution of Property to Sister State Personal Representative


citation: PROB § 12541

text: If necessary to make distribution pursuant to this article, real property in the nondomiciliary decedent’s estate may be sold and the court may order the proceeds to be distributed to the sister state personal representative. The sale shall be made in the same manner as other sales of real property of a decedent.

division: 7. ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES OF DECEDENTS

article: 4. Distribution of Property to Sister State Personal Representative


citation: PROB § 12542

text: If the nondomiciliary decedent’s estate in the sister state where the decedent was domiciled is insolvent, distribution may be made only to the sister state personal representative and not to the beneficiaries.


citation: PROB § 12570

text: If a nondomiciliary decedent’s property in this state satisfies the requirements of Section 13100, a sister state personal representative may, without petitioning for ancillary administration, use the affidavit procedure provided by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 13100) of Part 1 of Division 8 to collect personal property of the decedent.

path: 7. ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES OF DECEDENTS > 13. NONDOMICILIARY DECEDENTS > 3. Collection of Personal Property of Small Estate by Sister State Personal Representative Without Ancillary Administration


citation: PROB § 12571

text: The effect of payment, delivery, or transfer of personal property to the sister state personal representative pursuant to this chapter, and the effect of failure to do so, are governed by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 13100) of Part 1 of Division 8.

chapter: 3. Collection of Personal Property of Small Estate by Sister State Personal Representative Without Ancillary Administration


citation: PROB § 12572

text: The sister state personal representative may bring an action against a holder of the decedent’s property, and may be awarded attorney’s fees, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 13105.


citation: PROB § 12573

text: A sister state personal representative who takes property by affidavit under this chapter is not liable as a person to whom payment, delivery, or transfer of the decedent’s property is made under Section 13109 or 13110 to the extent that the sister state personal representative restores the property to the nondomiciliary decedent’s estate in the sister state in compliance with Section 13111.


citation: PROB § 12590

text:
A sister state personal representative or foreign nation personal representative submits personally in a representative capacity to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state in any proceeding relating to the estate by any of the following actions:

(a) Filing a petition for ancillary administration.

(b) Receiving money or other personal property pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12570). Jurisdiction under this subdivision is limited to the amount of money and the value of personal property received.

(c) Doing any act in this state as a personal representative that would have given this state jurisdiction over the personal representative as an individual.

path: 7. ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES OF DECEDENTS > 13. NONDOMICILIARY DECEDENTS > 4. Jurisdiction Over Foreign Personal Representative


citation: PROB § 12591

text: A sister state personal representative or foreign nation personal representative is subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state in a representative capacity to the same extent that the nondomiciliary decedent was subject to jurisdiction at the time of death.

chapter: 4. Jurisdiction Over Foreign Personal Representative


citation: PROB § 13000

text: Unless the provision or context otherwise requires, the definitions in this chapter govern the construction of this part.

chapter: 1. Definitions

path: 8. DISPOSITION OF ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 1. COLLECTION OR TRANSFER OF SMALL ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 1. Definitions


citation: PROB § 13002

text: “Holder of the decedent’s property” or “holder” means, with respect to any particular item of property of the decedent, the person owing money to the decedent, having custody of tangible personal property of the decedent, or acting as registrar or transfer agent of the evidences of a debt, obligation, interest, right, security, or chose in action belonging to the decedent.

division: 8. DISPOSITION OF ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION

part: 1. COLLECTION OR TRANSFER OF SMALL ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION


citation: PROB § 13004

text:
(a) “Particular item of property” means:

(1) Particular personal property of the decedent which is sought to be collected, received, or transferred by the successor of the decedent under Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 13100).

(2) Particular real property of the decedent, or particular real and personal property of the decedent, for which the successor of the decedent seeks a court order determining succession under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 13150).

(3) Particular real property of the decedent with respect to which the successor of the decedent files an affidavit of succession under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 13200).

(b) Subject to subdivision (a), “particular item of property” includes all interests specified in Section 62.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1055, Sec. 32.)


citation: PROB § 13005

text: “Property of the decedent,” “decedent’s property,” “money due the decedent,” and similar phrases, include property that becomes part of the decedent’s estate on the decedent’s death, whether by designation of the estate as beneficiary under an insurance policy on the decedent’s life or under the decedent’s retirement plan, or otherwise.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1055, Sec. 33.)


citation: PROB § 13006

text:
“Successor of the decedent” means:

(a) If the decedent died leaving a will, the sole beneficiary or all of the beneficiaries who succeeded to a particular item of property of the decedent under the decedent’s will. For the purposes of this part, a trust is a beneficiary under the decedent’s will if the trust succeeds to the particular item of property under the decedent’s will.

(b) If the decedent died without a will, the sole person or all of the persons who succeeded to the particular item of property of the decedent under Sections 6401 and 6402 or, if the law of a sister state or foreign nation governs succession to the particular item of property, under the law of the sister state or foreign nation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1055, Sec. 34.)


citation: PROB § 13007

text: “Proceeding” means either that a petition is currently pending in this state for administration of a decedent’s estate under Division 7 (commencing with Section 7000), a special administrator for the decedent’s estate has been appointed in this state and is now serving, or a personal representative for the decedent’s estate has been appointed in this state with general powers. “Proceeding” does not include a petition for administration which was dismissed without the appointment of a personal representative, any proceeding under Division 8 (commencing with Section 13000), or any action or proceeding in another state.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 871, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 1993.)


citation: PROB § 13050

text:
(a) For the purposes of this part:

(1) Any property or interest or lien thereon that, at the time of the decedent’s death, was held by the decedent as a joint tenant, or in which the decedent had a life or other interest terminable upon the decedent’s death, or that was held by the decedent and passed to the decedent’s surviving spouse pursuant to Section 13500, shall be excluded in determining the property or estate of the decedent or its value. This excluded property shall include, but not be limited to, property in a trust revocable by the decedent during the decedent’s lifetime.

(2) A multiple-party account to which the decedent was a party at the time of the decedent’s death shall be excluded in determining the property or estate of the decedent or its value, whether or not all or a portion of the sums on deposit are community property, to the extent that the sums on deposit belong after the death of the decedent to a surviving party, P.O.D. payee, or beneficiary. For the purposes of this paragraph, the terms “multiple-party account,” “party,” “P.O.D. payee,” and “beneficiary” are defined in Article 2 (commencing with Section 5120) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 5.

(b) For the purposes of this part, all of the following property shall be excluded in determining the property or estate of the decedent or its value:

(1) Any vehicle registered under Division 3 (commencing with Section 4000) of the Vehicle Code or titled under Division 16.5 (commencing with Section 38000) of the Vehicle Code.

(2) Any vessel numbered under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code.

(3) Any manufactured home, mobilehome, commercial coach, truck camper, or floating home registered under Part 2 (commencing with Section 18000) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code.

(c) For the purposes of this part, the value of the following property shall be excluded in determining the value of the decedent’s property in this state:

(1) Any amounts due to the decedent for services in the Armed Forces of the United States.

(2) The amount, not exceeding sixteen thousand six hundred twenty-five dollars ($16,625), as adjusted periodically in accordance with Section 890, of salary or other compensation, including compensation for unused vacation, owing to the decedent for personal services from any employment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 122, Sec. 4. (AB 473) Effective January 1, 2020.)

chapter: 2. General Provisions

path: 8. DISPOSITION OF ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 1. COLLECTION OR TRANSFER OF SMALL ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 2. General Provisions


citation: PROB § 13051

text:
For the purposes of this part:

(a) The guardian or conservator of the estate of a person entitled to any of the decedent’s property may act on behalf of the person without authorization or approval of the court in which the guardianship or conservatorship proceeding is pending.

(b) The trustee of a trust may act on behalf of the trust. In the case of a trust that is subject to continuing jurisdiction of the court pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17300) of Part 5 of Division 9, the trustee may act on behalf of the trust without the need to obtain approval of the court.

(c) If the decedent’s will authorizes a custodian under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act of any state to receive a devise to a beneficiary, the custodian may act on behalf of the beneficiary until such time as the custodianship terminates.

(d) A sister state personal representative may act on behalf of the beneficiaries as provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12570) of Part 13 of Division 7.

(e) The attorney in fact authorized under a durable power of attorney may act on behalf of the beneficiary giving the power of attorney.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1055, Sec. 35.)


citation: PROB § 13052

text: In making an appraisal for the purposes of this part, the probate referee shall use the date of the decedent’s death as the date of valuation of the property.


citation: PROB § 13053

text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), this part applies whether the decedent died before, on, or after July 1, 1987.

(b) This part does not apply and the law in effect at the time of payment, delivery, or transfer shall apply if the payment, delivery, or transfer was made prior to July 1, 1987, pursuant to former Probate Code Sections 630 to 632, inclusive, repealed by Chapter 783 of the Statutes of 1986.


citation: PROB § 13054

text: A reference in any statute of this state or in a written instrument, including a will or trust, to a provision of former Sections 630 to 632, inclusive, repealed by Chapter 783, Statutes of 1986, shall be deemed to be a reference to the comparable provisions of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 13100).


citation: PROB § 13100

text:
Excluding the property described in Section 13050 and any property included in a petition filed under Section 13151, if the gross value of the decedent’s real and personal property in this state does not exceed one hundred sixty-six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($166,250), as adjusted periodically in accordance with Section 890, and if 40 days have elapsed since the death of the decedent, the successor of the decedent may, without procuring letters of administration or awaiting probate of the will, do any of the following with respect to one or more particular items of property:

(a) Collect any particular item of property that is money due the decedent.

(b) Receive any particular item of property that is tangible personal property of the decedent.

(c) Have any particular item of property that is evidence of a debt, obligation, interest, right, security, or chose in action belonging to the decedent transferred, whether or not secured by a lien on real property.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 331, Sec. 1. (AB 2016) Effective January 1, 2025.)

path: 8. DISPOSITION OF ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 1. COLLECTION OR TRANSFER OF SMALL ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 3. Affidavit Procedure for Collection or Transfer of Personal Property


text:
The following definitions apply for the purposes of this chapter:

(a) “Transferee” means a person to whom payment, delivery, or transfer of property is made under this chapter.

(b) “Transferred property” means property that is paid, delivered, or transferred pursuant to an affidavit or declaration executed under Section 13101.

(c) “Unsecured debts” includes, but is not limited to, a decedent’s funeral expenses, expenses of a decedent’s last illness, and wage claims.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 2. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)

chapter: 3. Affidavit Procedure for Collection or Transfer of Personal Property


citation: PROB § 13101

text:
(a) To collect money, receive tangible personal property, or have evidences of a debt, obligation, interest, right, security, or chose in action transferred under this chapter, an affidavit or a declaration under penalty of perjury under the laws of this state shall be furnished to the holder of the decedent’s property stating all of the following:

(1) The decedent’s name.

(2) The date and place of the decedent’s death.

(3) “At least 40 days have elapsed since the death of the decedent, as shown in a certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate attached to this affidavit or declaration.”

(4) Either of the following, as appropriate:

(A) “No proceeding is now being or has been conducted in California for administration of the decedent’s estate.”

(B) “The decedent’s personal representative has consented in writing to the payment, transfer, or delivery to the affiant or declarant of the property described in the affidavit or declaration.”

(5) “The current gross fair market value of the decedent’s real and personal property in California, excluding the property described in Section 13050 of the California Probate Code and any property included in a petition filed under Section 13151 of the California Probate Code, does not exceed [Insert dollar amount specified in subdivision (g) of Section 13101 of the California Probate Code].”

(6) A description of the property of the decedent that is to be paid, transferred, or delivered to the affiant or declarant.

(7) The name of the successor of the decedent, as defined in Section 13006, to the described property.

(8) Either of the following, as appropriate:

(A) “The affiant or declarant is the successor of the decedent (as defined in Section 13006 of the California Probate Code) to the decedent’s interest in the described property.”

(B) “The affiant or declarant is authorized under Section 13051 of the California Probate Code to act on behalf of the successor of the decedent (as defined in Section 13006 of the California Probate Code) with respect to the decedent’s interest in the described property.”

(9) “No other person has a superior right to the interest of the decedent in the described property.”

(10) “The affiant or declarant requests that the described property be paid, delivered, or transferred to the affiant or declarant.”

(11) “The affiant or declarant affirms or declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.”

(b) Where more than one person executes the affidavit or declaration under this section, the statements required by subdivision (a) shall be modified as appropriate to reflect that fact.

(c) If the particular item of property to be transferred under this chapter is a debt or other obligation secured by a lien on real property and the instrument creating the lien has been recorded in the office of the county recorder of the county where the real property is located, the affidavit or declaration shall satisfy the requirements both of this section and of Section 13106.5.

(d) A certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate shall be attached to the affidavit or declaration.

(e) If the decedent’s personal representative has consented to the payment, transfer, or delivery of the described property to the affiant or declarant, a copy of the consent and of the personal representative’s letters shall be attached to the affidavit or declaration.

(f) If the decedent dies on or after April 1, 2022, the list of adjusted dollar amounts, published in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 890, in effect on the date of the decedent’s death, shall be attached to the affidavit or declaration.

(g) (1) If the decedent dies prior to April 1, 2022, the dollar amount for paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) is one hundred sixty-six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($166,250).

(2) If the decedent dies on or after April 1, 2022, the dollar amount for paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) is the adjusted dollar amount, published in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 890, in effect on the date of the decedent’s death.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 331, Sec. 2. (AB 2016) Effective January 1, 2025.)


citation: PROB § 13102

text:
(a) If the decedent had evidence of ownership of the property described in the affidavit or declaration and the holder of the property would have had the right to require presentation of the evidence of ownership before the duty of the holder to pay, deliver, or transfer the property to the decedent would have arisen, the evidence of ownership, if available, shall be presented with the affidavit or declaration to the holder of the decedent’s property.

(b) If the evidence of ownership is not presented to the holder pursuant to subdivision (a), the holder may require, as a condition for the payment, delivery, or transfer of the property, that the person presenting the affidavit or declaration provide the holder with a bond or undertaking in a reasonable amount determined by the holder to be sufficient to indemnify the holder against all liability, claims, demands, loss, damages, costs, and expenses that the holder may incur or suffer by reason of the payment, delivery, or transfer of the property. Nothing in this subdivision precludes the holder and the person presenting the affidavit or declaration from dispensing with the requirement that a bond or undertaking be provided and instead entering into an agreement satisfactory to the holder concerning the duty of the person presenting the affidavit or declaration to indemnify the holder.


citation: PROB § 13103

text: If the estate of the decedent includes any real property in this state, the affidavit or declaration shall be accompanied by an inventory and appraisal of the real property. The inventory and appraisal of the real property shall be made as provided in Part 3 (commencing with Section 8800) of Division 7. The appraisal shall be made by a probate referee selected by the affiant or declarant from those probate referees appointed by the Controller under Section 400 to appraise property in the county where the real property is located.


citation: PROB § 13104

text:
(a) Reasonable proof of the identity of each person executing the affidavit or declaration shall be provided to the holder of the decedent’s property.

(b) Reasonable proof of identity is provided for the purposes of this section if both of the following requirements are satisfied:

(1) The person executing the affidavit or declaration is personally known to the holder.

(2) The person executes the affidavit or declaration in the presence of the holder.

(c) If the affidavit or declaration is executed in the presence of the holder, a written statement under penalty of perjury by a person personally known to the holder affirming the identity of the person executing the affidavit or declaration is reasonable proof of identity for the purposes of this section.

(d) If the affidavit or declaration is executed in the presence of the holder, the holder may reasonably rely on any of the following as reasonable proof of identity for the purposes of this section:

(1) An identification card or driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles of this state that is current or was issued during the preceding five years.

(2) A passport issued by the Department of State of the United States that is current or was issued during the preceding five years.

(3) Any of the following documents if the document is current or was issued during the preceding five years and contains a photograph and description of the person named on it, is signed by the person, and bears a serial or other identifying number:

(A) A passport issued by a foreign government that has been stamped by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service.

(B) A driver’s license issued by a state other than California.

(C) An identification card issued by a state other than California.

(D) An identification card issued by any branch of the armed forces of the United States.

(e) For the purposes of this section, a notary public’s certificate of acknowledgment identifying the person executing the affidavit or declaration is reasonable proof of identity of the person executing the affidavit or declaration.

(f) Unless the affidavit or declaration contains a notary public’s certificate of acknowledgment of the identity of the person, the holder shall note on the affidavit or declaration either that the person executing the affidavit or declaration is personally known or a description of the identification provided by the person executing the affidavit or declaration.


citation: PROB § 13105

text:
(a) If the requirements of Sections 13100 to 13104, inclusive, are satisfied:

(1) The person or persons executing the affidavit or declaration as successor of the decedent are entitled to have the property described in the affidavit or declaration paid, delivered, or transferred to them.

(2) A transfer agent of a security described in the affidavit or declaration shall change the registered ownership on the books of the corporation from the decedent to the person or persons executing the affidavit or declaration as successor of the decedent.

(b) If the holder of the decedent’s property refuses to pay, deliver, or transfer any personal property or evidence thereof to the successor of the decedent within a reasonable time, the successor may recover the property or compel its payment, delivery, or transfer in an action brought for that purpose against the holder of the property. If an action is brought against the holder under this section, the court shall award reasonable attorney’s fees to the person or persons bringing the action if the court finds that the holder of the decedent’s property acted unreasonably in refusing to pay, deliver, or transfer the property to them as required by subdivision (a).


citation: PROB § 13106

text:
(a) If the requirements of Sections 13100 to 13104, inclusive, are satisfied, receipt by the holder of the decedent’s property of the affidavit or declaration constitutes sufficient acquittance for the payment of money, delivery of property, or changing registered ownership of property pursuant to this chapter and discharges the holder from any further liability with respect to the money or property. The holder may rely in good faith on the statements in the affidavit or declaration and has no duty to inquire into the truth of any statement in the affidavit or declaration.

(b) If the requirements of Sections 13100 to 13104, inclusive, are satisfied, the holder of the decedent’s property is not liable for any taxes due to this state by reason of paying money, delivering property, or changing registered ownership of property pursuant to this chapter.


text:
(a) If the particular item of property transferred under this chapter is a debt or other obligation secured by a lien on real property and the instrument creating the lien has been recorded in the office of the county recorder of the county where the real property is located, the affidavit or declaration described in Section 13101 shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder of that county and, in addition to the contents required by Section 13101, shall include both of the following:

(1) The recording reference of the instrument creating the lien.

(2) A notary public’s certificate of acknowledgment identifying each person executing the affidavit or declaration.

(b) The transfer under this chapter of the debt or obligation secured by a lien on real property has the same effect as would be given to an assignment of the right to collect the debt or enforce the obligation. The recording of the affidavit or declaration under subdivision (a) shall be given the same effect as is given under Sections 2934 and 2935 of the Civil Code to recording an assignment of a mortgage and an assignment of the beneficial interest under a deed of trust.

(c) If a deed of trust upon the real property was given to secure the debt and the requirements of subdivision (a) and of Sections 13100 to 13103, inclusive, are satisfied:

(1) The trustee under the deed of trust may rely in good faith on the statements made in the affidavit or declaration and has no duty to inquire into the truth of any statement in the affidavit or declaration.

(2) A person acting in good faith and for a valuable consideration may rely upon a recorded reconveyance of the trustee under the deed of trust.

(d) If a mortgage upon the real property was given to secure the debt and the requirements of subdivision (a) and of Sections 13100 to 13103, inclusive, are satisfied, a person acting in good faith and for a valuable consideration may rely upon a recorded discharge of the mortgage executed by the person or persons executing the affidavit or declaration as successor of the decedent or by their successors in interest.


citation: PROB § 13107

text: Where the money or property claimed in an affidavit or declaration presented under this chapter is that of a deceased heir or devisee of a deceased person whose estate is being administered in this state, the personal representative of the person whose estate is being administered shall present the affidavit or declaration to the court in which the estate is being administered. The court shall direct the personal representative to pay the money or deliver the property to the person or persons identified by the affidavit or declaration as the successor of the decedent to the extent that the order for distribution determines that the deceased heir or devisee was entitled to the money or property under the will or the laws of succession.


text: Where the money or property claimed in an affidavit or declaration executed under this chapter is the subject of a pending action or proceeding in which the decedent was a party, the successor of the decedent shall, without procuring letters of administration or awaiting probate of the will, be substituted as a party in place of the decedent by making a motion under Article 3 (commencing with Section 377.30) of Chapter 4 of Title 2 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The successor of the decedent shall file the affidavit or declaration with the court when the motion is made. For the purpose of Article 3 (commencing with Section 377.30) of Chapter 4 of Title 2 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, a successor of the decedent who complies with this chapter shall be considered as a successor in interest of the decedent.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 178, Sec. 39. Effective January 1, 1993.)


citation: PROB § 13108

text:
(a) The procedure provided by this chapter may be used only if one of the following requirements is satisfied:

(1) No proceeding for the administration of the decedent’s estate is pending or has been conducted in this state.

(2) The decedent’s personal representative consents in writing to the payment, transfer, or delivery of the property described in the affidavit or declaration pursuant to this chapter.

(b) Payment, delivery, or transfer of a decedent’s property pursuant to this chapter does not preclude later proceedings for administration of the decedent’s estate.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1055, Sec. 38.)


citation: PROB § 13109

text:
(a) A transferee is personally liable, to the extent provided in this section for the unsecured debts of the decedent. That debt may be enforced against the transferee in the same manner as it could have been enforced against the decedent if the decedent had not died. In any action based upon the debt, the transferee may assert any defense, cross-complaint, or setoff that would have been available to the decedent if the decedent had not died. Nothing in this section permits enforcement of a claim that is barred under Part 4 (commencing with Section 9000) of Division 7. Section 366.2 of the Code of Civil Procedure applies in an action under this section.

(b) The personal liability under subdivision (a) shall not exceed the fair market value of the transferred property at the time the affidavit or declaration is presented under this chapter, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the transferred property at that time, and less the amount of any payment made pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 13110.

(c) A transferee is not liable under this section if the transferee has satisfied the requirements of Section 13109.5, 13110.5, or 13111.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 3. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


text:
(a) If proceedings for the administration of the decedent’s estate are commenced, a transferee is personally liable to the estate for a share of the decedent’s unsecured debts.

(b) In calculating the transferee’s share of liability under subdivision (a), the abatement rules provided in Part 4 (commencing with Section 21400) of Division 11 shall be applied, using all of the following assumptions:

(1) Transferred property shall be treated as if it had remained in the estate for administration.

(2) Any unsecured debts of the decedent that were paid by the transferee pursuant to Section 13109 shall be treated as if they were claims made against the decedent’s estate.

(c) The personal representative shall provide a written statement of liability to the transferee, which specifies the amount that must be paid to the estate.

(d) The transferee is personally liable to the estate for the amount specified in the statement of liability. Any amount that the transferee paid pursuant to Section 13109 or 13110 shall be credited against the amount that the transferee owes the estate under this subdivision. If the amount that the transferee paid pursuant to Section 13109 or 13110 exceeds the amount specified in the written statement of liability, the estate shall reimburse the difference to the transferee. For the purposes of Section 11420, that reimbursement shall be deemed an expense of administration.

(e) The reasonable cost of proceeding under this section shall be reimbursed as an extraordinary service under Sections 10801 and 10811. The transferee is liable for the payment of that cost, which shall be separately identified in the statement of liability.

(f) A transferee is not liable under this section if the transferee has satisfied the requirements of Section 13110.5 or 13111.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 4. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13110

text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a transferee is personally liable to any person having a superior right to the transferred property by testate or intestate succession from the decedent. Except as provided in subdivision (b), the personal liability established by this subdivision shall not exceed the sum of the following, less the amount of any payment made pursuant to Section 13109 or 13109.5:

(1) The fair market value of the transferred property at the time the affidavit or declaration is presented under this chapter, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the transferred property at that time.

(2) Income received from the property, if that income would have accrued to the estate had the property not been transferred to the transferee.

(3) If the property has been disposed of, interest on the fair market value of the transferred property from the date of disposition at the rate of 7 percent per annum. For the purposes of this paragraph, “fair market value of the transferred property” means the fair market value of the transferred property, determined as of the time of the disposition of the property, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the property at the time the property was paid, delivered, or transferred to the transferee.

(b) In addition to any other liability the transferee has under this section and Sections 13109, 13109.5, 13111, and 13113.5 a person who fraudulently secures the payment, delivery, or transfer of the decedent’s property under this chapter is liable to the person having a superior right to that property by testate or intestate succession from the decedent for three times the fair market value of the property. For the purposes of this subdivision, the “fair market value of the property” is the fair market value of the property paid, delivered, or transferred to the person liable under this subdivision, valued as of the time the person liable under this subdivision presents the affidavit or declaration under this chapter to the holder of the decedent’s property, less any liens and encumbrances on that property at that time.

(c) An action to impose liability under this section is forever barred three years after the affidavit or declaration is presented under this chapter to the holder of the decedent’s property, or three years after the discovery of the fraud, whichever is later. The three-year period specified in this subdivision is not tolled for any reason.

(d) A transferee is not liable under subdivision (a) if the transferee has satisfied the requirements of Section 13110.5 or 13111.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 5. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


text:
(a) If proceedings for the administration of a decedent’s estate are commenced, a transferee may voluntarily return transferred property to the decedent’s estate for administration.

(b) The property to be restored to the estate under this section shall be reduced or increased as provided in Section 13113.5.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 6. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13111

text:
(a) If property is paid, delivered, or transferred to a transferee under this chapter, and the decedent’s personal representative determines that another person has a superior right to the property by testate or intestate succession from the decedent, the personal representative may request that the transferred property be restored to the estate. Subject to subdivisions (b), (c), (d), (e), and (g) if the personal representative makes that request, the transferee is liable for all of the following:

(1) If the transferee still has the transferred property, restitution of the transferred property to the decedent’s estate.

(2) If the transferee no longer has the transferred property, restitution to the decedent’s estate of the fair market value of the transferred property plus interest from the date of disposition at the rate of 7 percent per annum on the fair market value of the transferred property. For the purposes of this paragraph, the “fair market value of the transferred property” is the fair market value of the transferred property, determined as of the time of the disposition of the transferred property, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the transferred property at the time the property was paid, delivered, or transferred to the person under this chapter.

(b) Subject to subdivision (c) and subject to any additional liability the transferee has under Sections 13109 to 13113.5, inclusive, if the transferee fraudulently secured the payment, delivery, or transfer of the decedent’s property under this chapter, the transferee is liable under this section for restitution of three times the fair market value of the transferred property. For the purposes of this subdivision, the “fair market value of the transferred property” is the fair market value of the transferred property, determined as of the time the person liable under this subdivision presents the affidavit or declaration under this chapter, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the property at that time. Restitution provided under this subdivision shall first be used to pay the estate’s cost of proceeding under this section, with the remainder paid to the person who has a superior right to the property by testate or intestate succession.

(c) The property and amount required to be restored to the estate under this section shall be reduced or increased as provided in Section 13113.5.

(d) An action to enforce the liability under this section may be brought only by the personal representative of the estate of the decedent.

(e) An action to enforce the liability under this section is forever barred three years after presentation of the affidavit or declaration under this chapter to the holder of the decedent’s property, or three years after the discovery of the fraud, whichever is later. The three-year period specified in this subdivision is not tolled for any reason.

(f) In the case of a nondomiciliary decedent, restitution under this section shall be made to the estate in an ancillary administration proceeding.

(g) A transferee is not liable under subdivision (a) if the transferred property was returned to the estate under Section 13110.5.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 8. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13113

text: The remedies available under Sections 13109 to 13111, inclusive, are in addition to any remedies available by reason of any fraud or intentional wrongdoing.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 10. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


text:
(a) If the transferee’s action or inaction increased the value of property returned to the estate or decreased the estate’s obligations, the personal representative shall reimburse the transferee by the same amount. Actions or inaction that increase the value of returned property or decrease the estate’s obligations include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following actions:

(1) A payment toward an unsecured debt of the decedent.

(2) A payment toward a debt secured against the returned property.

(3) A significant improvement of the returned property that increased the fair market value of the property.

(b) If the transferee’s action or inaction decreased the value of property returned to the estate or increased the estate’s obligations, the transferee is personally liable to the estate for that amount. Actions or inaction that decrease the value of the returned property or increase the estate’s obligations include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following actions or inaction:

(1) An action or inaction that resulted in a lien or encumbrance being recorded against the property.

(2) The receipt of income from the property, if that income would have accrued to the estate had the property not been transferred to the transferee.

(c) The personal representative shall provide the transferee a written statement of any reimbursement or liability under this section, along with a statement of the reasons for the reimbursement or liability.

(d) For the purposes of Section 11420, reimbursement of the transferee under subdivision (a) shall be deemed an expense of administration.

(e) In the event that the transferee and the personal representative cannot agree on the reimbursement or liability due under this section, the transferee or personal representative may petition the court for an order determining the amount of the reimbursement or liability. In making a decision under this subdivision, the court should consider the surrounding circumstances, including whether the parties acted in good faith and whether a particular result would impose an unfair burden on the transferee or the estate.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 11. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13114

text:
(a) A public administrator who has taken possession or control of property of a decedent under Article 1 (commencing with Section 7600) of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of Division 7 may refuse to pay money or deliver property pursuant to this chapter if payment of the costs and fees described in Section 7604 has not first been made or adequately assured to the satisfaction of the public administrator.

(b) A coroner who has property found upon the body of a decedent, or who has taken charge of property of the decedent pursuant to Section 27491.3 of the Government Code, may refuse to pay or deliver the property pursuant to this chapter if payment of the reasonable costs of holding or safeguarding the property has not first been made or adequately assured to the satisfaction of the coroner.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1990, Ch. 79.)


text: If transferred property is returned to the estate under Sections 13110.5 or 13111, the value of that property shall be included in the total value of the estate, for all purposes.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 12. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13115

text: The procedure provided in this chapter may not be used to obtain possession or the transfer of real property.


citation: PROB § 13116

text: The procedure provided in this chapter is in addition to and supplemental to any other procedure for (1) collecting money due to a decedent, (2) receiving tangible personal property of a decedent, or (3) having evidence of ownership of property of a decedent transferred. Nothing in this chapter restricts or limits the release of tangible personal property of a decedent pursuant to any other provision of law. This section is declaratory of existing law.


citation: PROB § 13117

text: If the court finds that a person to whom payment, delivery, or transfer of the decedent’s property has been made under this chapter has acted reasonably and in good faith under the circumstances as known to the person, the court may, in its discretion, excuse the person from liability to pay interest, in whole or in part, under paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 13111, if it would be equitable to do so.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 13. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13150

text:
The procedure provided by this chapter may be used only if one of the following requirements is satisfied:

(a) No proceeding is being or has been conducted in this state for administration of the decedent’s estate.

(b) (1) The decedent’s personal representative consents in writing to use of the procedure provided by this chapter to determine that real property that was the decedent’s primary residence is property passing to the petitioners.

(2) For purposes of this chapter, “primary residence” is not limited to the decedent’s residence at the time of their death.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 331, Sec. 3. (AB 2016) Effective January 1, 2025.)

path: 8. DISPOSITION OF ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 1. COLLECTION OR TRANSFER OF SMALL ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 4. Court Order Determining Succession to Property


citation: PROB § 13151

text:
(a) If a decedent dies leaving real property that was their primary residence in this state and the gross value of that real property does not exceed seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000), as adjusted periodically in accordance with Section 890, and 40 days have elapsed since the death of the decedent, the successor of the decedent to an interest in that real property, without procuring letters of administration or awaiting the probate of the will, may file a petition in the superior court of the county in which the estate of the decedent may be administered requesting a court order determining that the petitioner has succeeded to that real property.

(b) A successor who files a petition pursuant to subdivision (a) shall deliver a notice of the petition to each heir and devisee named in the petition pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 13152 within five business days of filing the petition.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 331, Sec. 4. (AB 2016) Effective January 1, 2025.)

chapter: 4. Court Order Determining Succession to Property


citation: PROB § 13152

text:
(a) The petition shall be verified by each petitioner, shall contain a request that the court make an order under this chapter determining that the property described in the petition is property passing to the petitioner, and shall state all of the following:

(1) The facts necessary to determine that the petition is filed in the proper county.

(2) The gross value of the real property that was the decedent’s primary residence in this state, as shown by the inventory and appraisal attached to the petition, does not exceed the dollar amount specified in subdivision (f).

(3) A description of the particular item of real property in this state that the petitioner alleges is property of the decedent passing to the petitioner and the facts upon which the petitioner bases the allegation that the described real property was the decedent’s primary residence.

(4) The facts upon which the petitioner bases the allegation that the described property is property passing to the petitioner.

(5) Either of the following, as appropriate:

(A) A statement that no proceeding is being or has been conducted in this state for administration of the decedent’s estate.

(B) A statement that the decedent’s personal representative has consented in writing to use of the procedure provided by this chapter.

(6) Whether estate proceedings for the decedent have been commenced in any other jurisdiction and, if so, where those proceedings are pending or were conducted.

(7) The name, age, address, and relation to the decedent of each heir and devisee of the decedent, the names and addresses of all persons named as executors of the will of the decedent, and, if the petitioner is the trustee of a trust that is a devisee under the will of the decedent, the names and addresses of all persons interested in the trust, as determined in cases of future interests pursuant to paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 15804, so far as known to any petitioner.

(8) The name and address of each person serving as guardian or conservator of the estate of the decedent at the time of the decedent’s death, so far as known to any petitioner.

(b) An inventory and appraisal in the form set forth in Section 8802 of the real property that was the decedent’s primary residence in this state shall be attached to the petition. The appraisal shall be made by a probate referee selected by the petitioner from those probate referees appointed by the Controller under Section 400 to appraise property in the county where the real property is located. The appraisal shall be made as provided in Part 3 (commencing with Section 8800) of Division 7.

(c) If the petitioner bases the petitioner’s claim to the described property upon the will of the decedent, a copy of the will shall be attached to the petition.

(d) If the decedent’s personal representative has consented to use of the procedure provided by this chapter, a copy of the consent shall be attached to the petition.

(e) If the decedent dies on or after April 1, 2022, the list of adjusted dollar amounts, published in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 890, in effect on the date of the decedent’s death shall be attached to the petition.

(f) (1) If the decedent dies prior to April 1, 2022, the dollar amount for paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) is one hundred sixty-six thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($166,250).

(2) If the decedent dies on or after April 1, 2022, through March 31, 2025, the dollar amount for paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) is the adjusted dollar amount, published in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 890, in effect on the date of the decedent’s death.

(3) If the decedent dies on or after April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2028, the dollar amount for paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) is seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000).

(4) If the decedent dies on or after April 1, 2028, the dollar amount for paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) is the adjusted dollar amount, published in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 890, in effect on the date of the decedent’s death.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 331, Sec. 5. (AB 2016) Effective January 1, 2025.)


citation: PROB § 13153

text: Notice of the hearing shall be given as provided in Section 1220 to each of the persons named in the petition pursuant to Section 13152.


citation: PROB § 13154

text:
(a) If the court makes the determinations required under subdivision (b), the court shall issue an order determining that the real property that was the decedent’s primary residence, to be described in the order, is property passing to the petitioners and the specific property interest of each petitioner in the described property.

(b) The court may make an order under this section only if the court makes all of the following determinations:

(1) The gross value of the real property that was the decedent’s primary residence in this state does not exceed seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000), as adjusted periodically in accordance with Section 890.

(2) Not less than 40 days have elapsed since the death of the decedent.

(3) Whichever of the following is appropriate:

(A) No proceeding is being or has been conducted in this state for administration of the decedent’s estate.

(B) The decedent’s personal representative has consented in writing to use of the procedure provided by this chapter.

(4) The property described in the order is property of the decedent passing to the petitioner.

(c) If the petition has attached an inventory and appraisal that satisfies the requirements of subdivision (b) of Section 13152, the determination required by paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of this section shall be made on the basis of the verified petition and the attached inventory and appraisal, unless evidence is offered by a person opposing the petition that the gross value of the real property that was the decedent’s primary residence in this state exceeds seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000), as adjusted periodically in accordance with Section 890.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 331, Sec. 6. (AB 2016) Effective January 1, 2025.)


citation: PROB § 13155

text: Upon becoming final, an order under this chapter determining that property is property passing to the petitioner is conclusive on all persons, whether or not they are in being.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1055, Sec. 46.)


citation: PROB § 13156

text:
(a) Subject to subdivisions (b), (c), and (d), the petitioner who receives the decedent’s property pursuant to an order under this chapter is personally liable for the unsecured debts of the decedent.

(b) The personal liability of any petitioner shall not exceed the fair market value at the date of the decedent’s death of the property received by that petitioner pursuant to an order under this chapter, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the property.

(c) In any action or proceeding based upon an unsecured debt of the decedent, the petitioner may assert any defense, cross-complaint, or setoff which would have been available to the decedent if the decedent had not died.

(d) Nothing in this section permits enforcement of a claim that is barred under Part 4 (commencing with Section 9000) of Division 7.

(e) Section 366.2 of the Code of Civil Procedure applies in an action under this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 178, Sec. 41. Effective January 1, 1993.)


citation: PROB § 13157

text: The attorney’s fees for services performed in connection with the filing of a petition and obtaining a court order under this chapter shall be determined by private agreement between the attorney and the client and are not subject to approval by the court. If there is no agreement between the attorney and the client concerning the attorney’s fees for services performed in connection with the filing of a petition and obtaining of a court order under this chapter and there is a dispute concerning the reasonableness of the attorney’s fees for those services, a petition may be filed with the court in the same proceeding requesting that the court determine the reasonableness of the attorney’s fees for those services. If there is an agreement between the attorney and the client concerning the attorney’s fees for services performed in connection with the filing of a petition and obtaining a court order under this chapter and there is a dispute concerning the meaning of the agreement, a petition may be filed with the court in the same proceeding requesting that the court determine the dispute.


citation: PROB § 13200

text:
(a) No sooner than six months from the death of a decedent, a person or persons claiming as successor of the decedent to a particular item of property that is real property may file in the superior court in the county in which the decedent was domiciled at the time of death, or if the decedent was not domiciled in this state at the time of death, then in any county in which real property of the decedent is located, an affidavit in the form prescribed by the Judicial Council pursuant to Section 1001 stating all of the following:

(1) The name of the decedent.

(2) The date and place of the decedent’s death.

(3) A legal description of the real property and the interest of the decedent therein.

(4) The name and address of each person serving as guardian or conservator of the estate of the decedent at the time of the decedent’s death, so far as known to the affiant.

(5) “The gross value of all real property in the decedent’s estate located in California, as shown by the inventory and appraisal attached to this affidavit, excluding the real property described in Section 13050 of the California Probate Code, does not exceed [Insert dollar amount specified in subdivision (h)].”

(6) “At least six months have elapsed since the death of the decedent as shown in a certified copy of decedent’s death certificate attached to this affidavit.”

(7) Either of the following, as appropriate:

(A) “No proceeding is now being or has been conducted in California for administration of the decedent’s estate.”

(B) “The decedent’s personal representative has consented in writing to use of the procedure provided by this chapter.”

(8) “Funeral expenses, expenses of last illness, and all unsecured debts of the decedent have been paid.”

(9) “The affiant is the successor of the decedent (as defined in Section 13006 of the Probate Code) and to the decedent’s interest in the described property, and no other person has a superior right to the interest of the decedent in the described property.”

(10) “The affiant declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.”

(b) For each person executing the affidavit, the affidavit shall contain a notary public’s certificate of acknowledgment identifying the person.

(c) An inventory and appraisal of the decedent’s real property in this state, excluding the real property described in Section 13050, shall be attached to the affidavit. The inventory and appraisal of the real property shall be made as provided in Part 3 (commencing with Section 8800) of Division 7. The appraisal shall be made by a probate referee selected by the affiant from those probate referees appointed by the Controller under Section 400 to appraise property in the county where the real property is located.

(d) If the affiant claims under the decedent’s will and no estate proceeding is pending or has been conducted in California, a copy of the will shall be attached to the affidavit.

(e) A certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate shall be attached to the affidavit. If the decedent’s personal representative has consented to the use of the procedure provided by this chapter, a copy of the consent and of the personal representative’s letters shall be attached to the affidavit.

(f) If the decedent dies on or after April 1, 2022, the list of adjusted dollar amounts, published in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 890, in effect on the date of the decedent’s death shall be attached to the affidavit.

(g) The affiant shall deliver pursuant to Section 1215 a copy of the affidavit and attachments to any person identified in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a).

(h) (1) When the decedent dies prior to April 1, 2022, the dollar amount for paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) is fifty-five thousand four hundred twenty-five dollars ($55,425).

(2) When the decedent dies on or after April 1, 2022, the dollar amount for paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) is the adjusted dollar amount, published in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 890, in effect on the date of the decedent’s death.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 122, Sec. 13. (AB 473) Effective January 1, 2020.)

path: 8. DISPOSITION OF ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 1. COLLECTION OR TRANSFER OF SMALL ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 5. Affidavit Procedure for Real Property of Small Value


citation: PROB § 13201

text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the total fee for the filing of an affidavit under Section 13200 and the issuance of one certified copy of the affidavit under Section 13202 is as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 70626 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 75, Sec. 150. Effective July 19, 2005. Operative January 1, 2006, by Sec. 156 of Ch. 75.)

chapter: 5. Affidavit Procedure for Real Property of Small Value


citation: PROB § 13202

text: Upon receipt of the affidavit and the required fee, the court clerk, upon determining that the affidavit is complete and has the required attachments, shall file the affidavit and attachments and shall issue a certified copy of the affidavit without the attachments. The certified copy shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder of the county where the real property is located. The county recorder shall index the certified copy in the index of grantors and grantees. The decedent shall be indexed as the grantor and each person designated as a successor to the property in the certified copy shall be indexed as a grantee.


text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:

(a) “Transferee” means a person designated as a successor of the decedent in a certified copy of an affidavit issued under Section 13202.

(b) “Transferred property” means property transferred to a transferee pursuant to a certified copy of an affidavit issued under Section 13202.

(c) “Unsecured debts” includes, but is not limited to, a decedent’s funeral expenses, expenses of a decedent’s last illness, and wage claims.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 14. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13203

text:
(a) A person acting in good faith and for a valuable consideration with a person designated as a successor of the decedent to a particular item of property in a certified copy of an affidavit issued under Section 13202 and recorded in the county in which the real property is located has the same rights and protections as the person would have if each person designated as a successor in the recorded certified copy of the affidavit had been named as a distributee of the real property in an order for distribution that had become final.

(b) The issuance and recording of a certified copy of an affidavit under this chapter does not preclude later proceedings for administration of the decedent’s estate.


citation: PROB § 13204

text:
(a) A transferee is personally liable to the extent provided in this section for the unsecured debts of the decedent. That debt may be enforced against the transferee in the same manner as it could have been enforced against the decedent if the decedent had not died. In any action based upon the debt, the transferee may assert any defense, cross-complaint, or setoff that would have been available to the decedent if the decedent had not died. Nothing in this section permits enforcement of a claim that is barred under Part 4 (commencing with Section 9000) of Division 7. Section 366.2 of the Code of Civil Procedure applies in an action under this section.

(b) The personal liability under subdivision (a) shall not exceed the fair market value of the transferred property at the time of the issuance of the certified copy of the affidavit under Section 13202, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the transferred property at that time, and less the amount of any payment made pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 13205.

(c) The transferee is not liable under this section if the transferee has satisfied the requirements of Section 13204.5, 13205.5, or 13206.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 15. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


text:
(a) If proceedings for the administration of the decedent’s estate are commenced, a transferee is personally liable to the estate for a share of the decedent’s unsecured debts.

(b) In calculating the transferee’s share of liability under subdivision (a), the abatement rules provided in Part 4 (commencing with Section 21400) of Division 11 shall be applied, using all of the following assumptions:

(1) Transferred property under this chapter shall be treated as if it had remained in the estate for administration.

(2) Any unsecured debts of the decedent that were paid by the transferee pursuant to Section 13204 shall be treated as if they were claims made against the decedent’s estate.

(c) The personal representative shall provide a written statement of liability to the transferee, which specifies the amount that must be paid to the estate.

(d) The transferee is personally liable to the estate for the amount specified in the statement of liability. Any amount that the transferee paid pursuant to Section 13204 or 13205 shall be credited against the amount that the transferee owes the estate under this subdivision. If the amount that the transferee paid pursuant to Section 13204 or 13205 exceeds the amount specified in the written statement of liability, the estate shall reimburse the difference to the transferee. For the purposes of Section 11420, that reimbursement shall be deemed an expense of administration.

(e) The reasonable cost of proceeding under this section shall be reimbursed as an extraordinary service under Sections 10801 and 10811. The transferee is liable for the payment of that cost, which shall be separately identified in the statement of liability.

(f) The transferee is not liable under this section if the transferee has satisfied the requirements of Section 13205.5 or 13206.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 16. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13205

text:
(a) A transferee is personally liable to any person having a superior right to transferred property by testate or intestate succession from the decedent. Except as provided in subdivision (d), the personal liability established by this subdivision shall not exceed the sum of the following, less the amount of any payment made pursuant to Section 13204 or 13204.5:

(1) The fair market value at the time of the issuance of the certified copy of the affidavit under Section 13202 of the transferred property, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the transferred property at that time.

(2) Income received from the property, if that income would have accrued to the estate had the property not been transferred to the transferee.

(3) If the property has been disposed of, interest on the fair market value of the transferred property from the date of disposition at the rate of 7 percent per annum. For the purposes of this paragraph, “fair market value of the transferred property” means the fair market value of the transferred property, determined as of the time of the disposition of the property, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the property at the time the certified copy of the affidavit was issued.

(b) In addition to any other liability the transferee has under this section and Sections 13204, 13204.5, 13206, and 13208, if the transferee fraudulently executed or filed the affidavit under this chapter, the transferee is liable to the person having a superior right to that property by testate or intestate succession from the decedent for three times the fair market value of the transferred property. For the purposes of this subdivision, the “fair market value of the transferred property” is the fair market value of the transferred property determined as of the time the certified copy of the affidavit was issued under Section 13202, less any liens and encumbrances on the transferred property at that time.

(c) An action to impose liability under this section is forever barred three years after the certified copy of the affidavit is issued under Section 13202, or three years after the discovery of the fraud, whichever is later. The three-year period specified in this subdivision is not tolled for any reason.

(d) The transferee is not liable under this section if the transferee has satisfied the requirements of Section 13205.5 or 13206.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 17. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


text:
(a) If proceedings for the administration of the decedent’s estate are commenced, a transferee may voluntarily return transferred property to the decedent’s estate for administration.

(b) The property to be restored to the estate under this section shall be reduced or increased as provided in Section 13208.5.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 18. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13206

text:
(a) If property is transferred to a transferee under this chapter, and the decedent’s personal representative later determines that another person has a superior right to the property by testate or intestate succession from the decedent, the personal representative may request that the transferred property be restored to the estate. Subject to subdivisions (b), (c), (d), (e), and (g) if the personal representative makes that request, the transferee is liable for all of the following:

(1) If the transferee still has the transferred property, restitution of the transferred property to the decedent’s estate.

(2) If the transferee no longer has the transferred property, restitution to the decedent’s estate of the fair market value of the transferred property plus interest from the date of disposition at the rate of 7 percent per annum on the fair market value of the transferred property. For the purposes of this paragraph, the “fair market value of the transferred property” is the fair market value of the transferred property, determined as of the time of the disposition of the transferred property, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the transferred property at the time the certified copy of the affidavit was issued.

(b) Subject to subdivision (d), if the transferee fraudulently executed or filed the affidavit under this chapter, the transferee is liable under this section for restitution of three times the fair market value of the transferred property. For the purposes of this subdivision, the “fair market value of the transferred property” is the fair market value of the transferred property, determined as of the time the certified copy of the affidavit was issued, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the property at that time. Restitution provided under this subdivision shall first be used to pay the estate’s cost of proceeding under this section, with the remainder paid to the person who has a superior right to the property by testate or intestate succession.

(c) Subject to subdivision (d), if the transferee made a significant improvement to the transferred property in the good faith belief that the transferee was the successor of the decedent to that property, the transferee is liable for whichever of the following the decedent’s estate elects:

(1) The restitution of the transferred property to the estate of the decedent.

(2) The restoration to the decedent’s estate of the fair market value of the transferred property, determined as of the time of the issuance of the certified copy of the affidavit under Section 13202, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the transferred property at that time, together with interest on the net amount at the rate of 7 percent per annum running from the date of the issuance of the certified copy of the affidavit.

(d) The property and amount required to be restored to the estate under this section shall be reduced or increased as provided in Section 13208.5.

(e) An action to enforce the liability under this section may be brought only by the personal representative of the estate of the decedent.

(f) An action to enforce the liability under this section is forever barred three years after the certified copy of the affidavit is issued under Section 13202, or three years after the discovery of the fraud, whichever is later. The three-year period specified in this subdivision is not tolled for any reason.

(g) The transferee is not liable under subdivision (a) if the transferred property was returned to the estate under Section 13205.5.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 20. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13208

text: The remedies available under Sections 13204 to 13206, inclusive, are in addition to any remedies available by reason of any fraud or intentional wrongdoing.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 22. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


text:
(a) If the transferee’s action or inaction increased the value of property returned to the estate or decreased the estate’s obligations, the personal representative shall reimburse the transferee by the same amount. Actions or inaction that increase the value of returned property or decrease the estate’s obligations include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following actions:

(1) A payment toward an unsecured debt of the decedent.

(2) A payment toward a debt secured against the returned property.

(3) A significant improvement of the returned property that increased the fair market value of the property.

(b) If the transferee’s action or inaction decreased the value of property returned to the estate or increased the estate’s obligations, the transferee is personally liable to the estate for that amount. Actions or inaction that decrease the value of the returned property or increase the estate’s obligations include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following actions or inaction:

(1) An action or inaction that resulted in a lien or encumbrance being recorded against the property.

(2) The receipt of income from the property, if that income would have accrued to the estate had the property not been transferred to the transferee.

(c) The personal representative shall provide the transferee a written statement of any reimbursement or liability under this section, along with a statement of the reasons for the reimbursement or liability.

(d) For the purposes of Section 11420, reimbursement of the transferee under subdivision (a) shall be deemed an expense of administration.

(e) In the event that the transferee and the personal representative cannot agree on the reimbursement or liability due under this section, the transferee or personal representative may petition the court for an order determining the amount of the reimbursement or liability. In making a decision under this subdivision, the court should consider the surrounding circumstances, including whether the parties acted in good faith and whether a particular result would impose an unfair burden on the transferee or the estate.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 23. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13209

text: If transferred property is returned to the estate under Sections 13205.5 or 13206, the value of that property shall be included in the total value of the estate, for all purposes.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 24. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13210

text:
The procedure provided by this chapter may be used only if one of the following requirements is satisfied:

(a) No proceeding for the administration of the decedent’s estate is pending or has been conducted in this state.

(b) The decedent’s personal representative consents in writing to use of the procedure provided by this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1055, Sec. 52.)


citation: PROB § 13211

text: If the court finds that a person designated as a successor of the decedent in a certified copy of an affidavit issued under Section 13202 has acted reasonably and in good faith under the circumstances as known to the person, the court may, in its discretion, excuse the person from liability to pay interest, in whole or in part, under paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 13206 or paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 13206, if it would be equitable to do so.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 25. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: PROB § 13500

text: Except as provided in this chapter, when a spouse dies intestate leaving property that passes to the surviving spouse under Section 6401, or dies testate and by his or her will devises all or a part of his or her property to the surviving spouse, the property passes to the survivor subject to the provisions of Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 13540) and Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 13550), and no administration is necessary.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 50, Sec. 89. (SB 1005) Effective January 1, 2017.)

chapter: 1. General Provisions

path: 8. DISPOSITION OF ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 2. PASSAGE OF PROPERTY TO SURVIVING SPOUSE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 1. General Provisions


citation: PROB § 13501

text:
Except as provided in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 6600) of Division 6 and in Part 1 (commencing with Section 13000) of this division, the following property of the decedent is subject to administration under this code:

(a) Property passing to someone other than the surviving spouse under the decedent’s will or by intestate succession.

(b) Property disposed of in trust under the decedent’s will.

(c) Property in which the decedent’s will limits the surviving spouse to a qualified ownership. For the purposes of this subdivision, a devise to the surviving spouse that is conditioned on the spouse surviving the decedent by a specified period of time is not a “qualified ownership” interest if the specified period of time has expired.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1990, Ch. 79.)

part: 2. PASSAGE OF PROPERTY TO SURVIVING SPOUSE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION


citation: PROB § 13502

text:
(a) Upon the election of the surviving spouse or the personal representative, guardian of the estate, or conservator of the estate of the surviving spouse, all or a portion of the following property may be administered under this code:

(1) The one-half of the community property that belongs to the decedent under Section 100, the one-half of the quasi-community property that belongs to the decedent under Section 101, and the separate property of the decedent.

(2) The one-half of the community property that belongs to the surviving spouse under Section 100 and the one-half of the quasi-community property that belongs to the surviving spouse under Section 101.

(b) The election shall be made by a writing specifically evidencing the election filed in the proceedings for the administration of the estate of the deceased spouse within four months after the issuance of letters, or within any further time that the court may allow upon a showing of good cause, and before entry of an order under Section 13656.


text:
(a) Upon a petition by the personal representative of a decedent and a showing of good cause, the court may order that a pecuniary devise to the surviving spouse, or a fractional interest passing to the surviving spouse in any property in which the remaining fraction is subject to the administration, may be administered under this code, except to the extent that it has passed by inheritance as determined by an order pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 13650).

(b) Notice of this petition shall be given as provided in Section 1220 to the person designated in that section and to the surviving spouse.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 871, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 1993.)


citation: PROB § 13503

text:
(a) The surviving spouse or the personal representative, guardian of the estate, or conservator of the estate of the surviving spouse may file an election and agreement to have all or part of the one-half of the community property that belongs to the surviving spouse under Section 100 and the one-half of the quasi-community property that belongs to the surviving spouse under Section 101 transferred by the surviving spouse or the surviving spouse’s personal representative, guardian, or conservator to the trustee under the will of the deceased spouse or the trustee of an existing trust identified by the will of the deceased spouse, to be administered and distributed by the trustee.

(b) The election and agreement shall be filed in the proceedings for the administration of the estate of the deceased spouse and before the entry of the order for final distribution in the proceedings.


citation: PROB § 13504

text: Notwithstanding the provisions of this part, community property held in a revocable trust described in Section 761 of the Family Code is governed by the provisions, if any, in the trust for disposition in the event of death.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1269, Sec. 61.6. Effective January 1, 1995.)


citation: PROB § 13505

text: This part applies whether the deceased spouse died before, on, or after July 1, 1987.


citation: PROB § 13506

text: A reference in any statute of this state or in a written instrument, including a will or trust, to a provision of former Sections 202 to 206, inclusive, of the Probate Code (as repealed by Chapter 527 of the Statutes of 1984) or former Sections 649.1 to 649.5, inclusive, or Sections 650 to 658, inclusive, of the Probate Code (as repealed by Chapter 783 of the Statutes of 1986) shall be deemed to be a reference to the comparable provision of this part.


citation: PROB § 13540

text:
(a) Except as provided in Section 13541, after 40 days from the death of a spouse, the surviving spouse or the personal representative, guardian of the estate, or conservator of the estate of the surviving spouse has full power to sell, convey, lease, mortgage, or otherwise deal with and dispose of the community or quasi-community real property, and the right, title, and interest of any grantee, purchaser, encumbrancer, or lessee shall be free of rights of the estate of the deceased spouse or of devisees or creditors of the deceased spouse to the same extent as if the property had been owned as the separate property of the surviving spouse.

(b) The surviving spouse or the personal representative, guardian of the estate, or conservator of the estate of the surviving spouse may record, prior to or together with the instrument that makes a disposition of property under this section, an affidavit of the facts that establish the right of the surviving spouse to make the disposition.

(c) Nothing in this section affects or limits the liability of the surviving spouse under Sections 13550 to 13553, inclusive, and Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 13560).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 806, Sec. 36. Effective January 1, 1995.)

path: 8. DISPOSITION OF ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 2. PASSAGE OF PROPERTY TO SURVIVING SPOUSE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 2. Right of Surviving Spouse to Dispose of Property


citation: PROB § 13541

text:
(a) Section 13540 does not apply to a sale, conveyance, lease, mortgage, or other disposition that takes place after a notice that satisfies the requirements of this section is recorded in the office of the county recorder of the county in which real property is located.

(b) The notice shall contain all of the following:

(1) A description of the real property in which an interest is claimed.

(2) A statement that an interest in the property is claimed by a named person under the will of the deceased spouse.

(3) The name or names of the owner or owners of the record title to the property.

(c) There shall be endorsed on the notice instructions that it shall be indexed by the recorder in the name or names of the owner or owners of record title to the property, as grantor or grantors, and in the name of the person claiming an interest in the property, as grantee.

(d) A person shall not record a notice under this section for the purpose of slandering title to the property. If the court in an action or proceeding relating to the rights of the parties determines that a person recorded a notice under this section for the purpose of slandering title, the court shall award against the person the cost of the action or proceeding, including a reasonable attorney’s fee, and the damages caused by the recording.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1055, Sec. 55.)

chapter: 2. Right of Surviving Spouse to Dispose of Property


citation: PROB § 13542

text: The repeal of former Section 649.2 by Chapter 783 of the Statutes of 1986 does not affect any sale, lease, mortgage, or other transaction or disposition of real property made prior to July 1, 1987, to which that section applied, and such a sale, lease, mortgage, or other transaction or disposition shall continue to be governed by the provisions of former Section 649.2 notwithstanding the repeal of that section.


citation: PROB § 13545

text:
(a) After the death of a spouse, the surviving spouse, or the personal representative, guardian of the estate, or conservator of the estate of the surviving spouse has full power to sell, assign, pledge, or otherwise deal with and dispose of community or quasi-community property securities registered in the name of the surviving spouse alone, and the right, title, and interest of any purchaser, assignee, encumbrancer, or other transferee shall be free of the rights of the estate of the deceased spouse or of devisees or creditors of the deceased spouse to the same extent as if the deceased spouse had not died.

(b) Nothing in this section affects or limits the liability of a surviving spouse under Sections 13550 to 13553, inclusive, and Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 13560).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1055, Sec. 56.)


citation: PROB § 13550

text: Except as provided in Sections 11446, 13552, 13553, and 13554, upon the death of a married person, the surviving spouse is personally liable for the debts of the deceased spouse chargeable against the property described in Section 13551 to the extent provided in Section 13551.

path: 8. DISPOSITION OF ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 2. PASSAGE OF PROPERTY TO SURVIVING SPOUSE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 3. Liability for Debts of Deceased Spouse


citation: PROB § 13551

text:
The liability imposed by Section 13550 shall not exceed the fair market value at the date of the decedent’s death, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances, of the total of the following:

(a) The portion of the one-half of the community and quasi-community property belonging to the surviving spouse under Sections 100 and 101 that is not exempt from enforcement of a money judgment and is not administered in the estate of the deceased spouse.

(b) The portion of the one-half of the community and quasi-community property belonging to the decedent under Sections 100 and 101 that passes to the surviving spouse without administration under this part.

(c) The separate property of the decedent that passes to the surviving spouse without administration under this part.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 29, Sec. 26. (AB 1716) Effective January 1, 2023.)

chapter: 3. Liability for Debts of Deceased Spouse


citation: PROB § 13552

text:
If proceedings are commenced in this state for the administration of the estate of the deceased spouse and the time for filing claims has commenced, any action upon the liability of the surviving spouse pursuant to Section 13550 is barred to the same extent as provided for claims under Part 4 (commencing with Section 9000) of Division 7, except as to the following:

(a) Creditors who commence judicial proceedings for the enforcement of the debt and serve the surviving spouse with the complaint therein prior to the expiration of the time for filing claims.

(b) Creditors who have or who secure the surviving spouse’s acknowledgment in writing of the liability of the surviving spouse for the debts.

(c) Creditors who file a timely claim in the proceedings for the administration of the estate of the deceased spouse.


citation: PROB § 13553

text: The surviving spouse is not liable under this chapter if all the property described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 13502 is administered under this code.


citation: PROB § 13554

text:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any debt described in Section 13550 may be enforced against the surviving spouse in the same manner as it could have been enforced against the deceased spouse if the deceased spouse had not died.

(b) In any action or proceeding based upon the debt, the surviving spouse may assert any defense, cross-complaint, or setoff which would have been available to the deceased spouse if the deceased spouse had not died.

(c) Section 366.2 of the Code of Civil Procedure applies in an action under this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 178, Sec. 43. Effective January 1, 1993.)


citation: PROB § 13560

text: For the purposes of this chapter, “decedent’s property” means the one-half of the community property that belongs to the decedent under Section 100 and the one-half of the quasi-community property that belongs to the decedent under Section 101.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1055, Sec. 57.)

chapter: 3.5. Liability for Decedent’s Property

path: 8. DISPOSITION OF ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 2. PASSAGE OF PROPERTY TO SURVIVING SPOUSE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 3.5. Liability for Decedent’s Property


citation: PROB § 13561

text:
(a) If the decedent’s property is in the possession or control of the surviving spouse at the time of the decedent’s death, the surviving spouse is personally liable to the extent provided in Section 13563 to any person having a superior right by testate succession from the decedent.

(b) An action to impose liability under this section is forever barred three years after the death of the decedent. The three-year period specified in this subdivision is not tolled for any reason.


citation: PROB § 13562

text:
(a) Subject to subdivisions (b), (c), and (d), if proceedings for the administration of the decedent’s estate are commenced, the surviving spouse is liable for:

(1) The restitution to the decedent’s estate of the decedent’s property if the surviving spouse still has the decedent’s property, together with (A) the net income the surviving spouse received from the decedent’s property and (B) if the surviving spouse encumbered the decedent’s property after the date of death, the amount necessary to satisfy the balance of the encumbrance as of the date the decedent’s property is restored to the estate.

(2) The restitution to the decedent’s estate of the fair market value of the decedent’s property if the surviving spouse no longer has the decedent’s property, together with (A) the net income the surviving spouse received from the decedent’s property prior to disposing of it and (B) interest from the date of disposition at the rate of 7 percent per annum on the fair market value of the decedent’s property. For the purposes of this paragraph, the “fair market value of the decedent’s property” is the fair market value of the decedent’s property, determined as of the time of the disposition of the decedent’s property, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the decedent’s property at the time of the decedent’s death.

(b) Subject to subdivision (c), if proceedings for the administration of the decedent’s estate are commenced and the surviving spouse made a significant improvement to the decedent’s property in the good faith belief that the surviving spouse was the successor of the decedent to the decedent’s property, the surviving spouse is liable for whichever of the following the decedent’s estate elects:

(1) The restitution of the decedent’s property, as improved, to the estate of the decedent upon the condition that the estate reimburse the surviving spouse for (A) the amount by which the improvement increases the fair market value of the decedent’s property restored, valued as of the time of restitution, and (B) the amount paid by the surviving spouse for principal and interest on any liens or encumbrances that were on the decedent’s property at the time of the decedent’s death.

(2) The restoration to the decedent’s estate of the fair market value of the decedent’s property, valued as of the time of the decedent’s death, excluding the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the decedent’s property at that time, together with interest on the net amount at the rate of 7 percent per annum running from the date of the decedent’s death.

(c) The property and amount required to be restored to the estate under this section shall be reduced by any property or amount paid by the surviving spouse to satisfy a liability under Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 13550).

(d) An action to enforce the liability under this section may be brought only by the personal representative of the estate of the decedent. Whether or not the personal representative brings an action under this section, the personal representative may enforce the liability only to the extent necessary to protect the interests of the heirs, devisees, and creditors of the decedent.

(e) An action to enforce the liability under this section is forever barred three years after the death of the decedent. The three-year period specified in this subdivision is not tolled for any reason.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 122, Sec. 17. (AB 473) Effective January 1, 2020.)


citation: PROB § 13563

text:
(a) The surviving spouse is not liable under Section 13561 if proceedings for the administration of the decedent’s estate are commenced and the surviving spouse satisfies the requirements of Section 13562.

(b) The aggregate of the personal liability of the surviving spouse under Section 13561 shall not exceed the sum of the following:

(1) The fair market value at the time of the decedent’s death, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the decedent’s property at that time, of the portion of the decedent’s property that passes to any person having a superior right by testate succession from the decedent.

(2) The net income the surviving spouse received from the portion of the decedent’s property that passes to any person having a superior right by testate succession from the decedent.

(3) If the decedent’s property has been disposed of, interest on the fair market value of the portion of the decedent’s property that passes to any person having a superior right by testate succession from the decedent from the date of disposition at the rate of 7 percent per annum. For the purposes of this paragraph, “fair market value” is fair market value, determined as of the time of disposition of the decedent’s property, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the decedent’s property at the time of the decedent’s death.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 122, Sec. 18. (AB 473) Effective January 1, 2020.)


citation: PROB § 13564

text: The remedies available under Sections 13561 to 13563, inclusive, are in addition to any remedies available by reason of any fraud or intentional wrongdoing.


citation: PROB § 13565

text: If the court finds that the surviving spouse has acted reasonably and in good faith under the circumstances as known to the surviving spouse, the court may, in its discretion, excuse the surviving spouse from liability to pay interest, in whole or in part, under paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 13562, paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 13562, or paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 13563, if it would be equitable to do so.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 122, Sec. 19. (AB 473) Effective January 1, 2020.)


citation: PROB § 13600

text:
(a) At any time after a spouse dies, the surviving spouse or the guardian or conservator of the estate of the surviving spouse may, without procuring letters of administration or awaiting probate of the will, collect salary or other compensation owed by an employer for personal services of the deceased spouse, including compensation for unused vacation, not in excess of sixteen thousand six hundred twenty-five dollars ($16,625), as adjusted periodically in accordance with Section 890, net.

(b) Not more than sixteen thousand six hundred twenty-five dollars ($16,625), as adjusted periodically in accordance with Section 890, net in the aggregate may be collected by or for the surviving spouse under this chapter from all of the employers of the decedent.

(c) For the purposes of this chapter, a guardian or conservator of the estate of the surviving spouse may act on behalf of the surviving spouse without authorization or approval of the court in which the guardianship or conservatorship proceeding is pending.

(d) The dollar limit set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b) does not apply to the surviving spouse or the guardian or conservator of the estate of the surviving spouse of a firefighter or peace officer described in subdivision (a) of Section 22820 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 122, Sec. 20. (AB 473) Effective January 1, 2020.)

path: 8. DISPOSITION OF ESTATE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 2. PASSAGE OF PROPERTY TO SURVIVING SPOUSE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION > 4. Collection by Affidavit of Compensation Owed to Deceased Spouse