How do I remove a deceased person's name from a property title in California?

What this usually means

Method depends on how the property was held: joint tenancy → affidavit of survivorship + death certificate filed with county recorder. Community property → spousal property petition or trust distribution. TOD deed → file the deed plus death certificate. Probate estate → court order after probate. Trust → trustee deed after death. Do not leave a deceased person's name on a title — it complicates future sales and refinancing.

What to do next

• Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
• Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
• Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
• Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.

Related questions

• How does California probate work, step by step?
• What are California probate fees?
• Can I be the executor of my own family member's estate without a lawyer?
• What is the California small estate affidavit and how do I use it?
• Does the small estate threshold include everything?