Business Owner Death and Complex Estates
What happens to a partnership when a partner dies?
Short answer
Check the partnership agreement — it should address this directly. Without an agreement, California law may dissolve the partnership at death. Surviving partners may have the right to buy out the deceased's interest. Business clients and counterparties need to be notified of…
What this usually means
Check the partnership agreement — it should address this directly. Without an agreement, California law may dissolve the partnership at death. Surviving partners may have the right to buy out the deceased's interest. Business clients and counterparties need to be notified of any change in authority.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.