California Probate
What is a California Spousal Property Petition?
Short answer
A simplified court procedure that allows a surviving spouse or domestic partner to confirm ownership of community property and certain separate property without full probate. It is faster and cheaper than full probate and can handle real estate. File it in the…
What this usually means
A simplified court procedure that allows a surviving spouse or domestic partner to confirm ownership of community property and certain separate property without full probate. It is faster and cheaper than full probate and can handle real estate. File it in the Superior Court where the deceased lived.
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.