Trusts, Probate & Co-Owner Death Archives

Joint Tenancy with a Parent: What Happens When the Parent Decides to Sever the Joint Tenancy?

In California, joint tenancy is a common way for parents and children to co-own property, often with the understanding that the property will automatically transfer to the surviving joint tenant, presumably the child, upon the death of the other, presumably the parent. However, joint tenancies can be severed, and this can cause significant issues when … Read More

How to Sell Property After Co-owner’s Death

When real property is held by a co-owner who has passed away, California law allowed the remaining co-owners to sell property by filing a partition action. This means that co-owners do not need to wait for a probate action to be filed or wait to find out who will be the successor trustee of the … Read More

Affidavit of Death of a Joint Tenant (Probate Code § 210)

The fundamental rule of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship, by which the public learns about the current ownership through a recorded affidavit of death of joint tenant. This article explains joint tenancy and what to do when a joint tenant dies. What is Joint Tenancy? Joint tenancy, also known as joint tenancy with … Read More

Probate Code 9823 – Partition Actions (Personal Representatives)

California Probate Code § 9823 is the California partition statute that addresses the relation between partition actions and probate matters. The statute provides that: (a) If the decedent leaves an undivided interest in any property, an action for partition of the property may be brought against the personal representative. (b) The personal representative may bring … Read More

Code of Civil Procedure 872.530 CCP – Personal Representatives; Joinder; Affidavits (Partition Actions)

California Code of Civil Procedure 872.530 is the California partition statute that outlines how to file a partition action against a co-owner who is deceased or believed to be deceased. The statute further describes what should be done if a deceased party’s personal representative is known or unknown as follows: (a) If a person described in Section … Read More

Forcing the Sale of Inherited House in California

Forcing the Sale of an Inherited House in California

Can I Force the Sale of Inherited Property? Understanding exactly what to do after a close family member passes away is one of the most difficult things someone can go through. Before asking whether both owners have to sign to sell a house, a whirlwind of confusion and sadness makes decision making near impossible, especially … Read More

How to Sever Joint Tenancy in California – Civil Code 682

This article seeks to explain the meaning of a joint tenancy as compared to other forms of co-tenancy, explains the meaning and importance of the severance of a joint tenancy, and explains the means by which a joint tenancy in real estate may be severed. Before or after the severance, jointly owned property can be … Read More

Family Code 1100(b) – Spouses Can Gift No More than Half of the Community Property

Community Property Laws Allow Spouses to Give Away No More than Half of the Community Estate, During Life or Upon Death in a Will or Trust While many spouses have tried, the law does not allow a living or deceased spouse to give away more than half of the community property marital estate, including in … Read More