Right after it happens
Who is in charge when someone dies with no will?
Short answer
California has a priority order for who controls disposition: spouse or domestic partner, then adult children, then parents, then siblings. If no family can be found or no one steps up, the county public administrator may take over.
What this usually means
California has a priority order for who controls disposition: spouse or domestic partner, then adult children, then parents, then siblings. If no family can be found or no one steps up, the county public administrator may take over.
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.