No Next Of Kin Or Estranged Family
What if the deceased had no will and no family?
Short answer
The estate escheats — passes to the State of California — after a legal process to identify any potential heirs. The California State Controller's Office holds escheated assets. There is no deadline for a legitimate heir to come forward and claim them…
What this usually means
The estate escheats — passes to the State of California — after a legal process to identify any potential heirs. The California State Controller's Office holds escheated assets. There is no deadline for a legitimate heir to come forward and claim them, though documentation requirements apply.
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.