What are my rights if I was left out of the will?

What this usually means

If you are a surviving spouse, California law protects you from complete disinheritance — you are entitled to your share of community property regardless of the will. If you are an adult child, you have fewer automatic protections. If you believe the will was the result of undue influence or fraud, consult a probate attorney about contesting it.

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

• What is undue influence and why does it matter in estate disputes?
• What if I think someone manipulated the will or trust before death?
• What is a no-contest clause in a will or trust?
• What if the executor is mismanaging the estate?
• What if the executor won't communicate with me?