No Next Of Kin Or Estranged Family
What if I am an unmarried partner and was not named in the will?
Short answer
California does not recognize common-law marriage. Without a will, trust, or registered domestic partnership, an unmarried partner has no inheritance rights. However, you may have claims if you can prove a written or oral agreement, or if you contributed to acquiring property…
What this usually means
California does not recognize common-law marriage. Without a will, trust, or registered domestic partnership, an unmarried partner has no inheritance rights. However, you may have claims if you can prove a written or oral agreement, or if you contributed to acquiring property together. Consult a family law attorney.
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.