Free California Affidavit of Heirship Form

1Who is Making

2Deceased Person

3Decedent and Relationship

4Property

5Personal Property items

6Address of the property

7Decedent Married

8Marital History

9Surviving Heirs

10Affidavit be signed

11Person making affidavit

• Who is making this Affidavit?

  Enter the name and contact information of the person making the declaration in this
  Affidavit. In legal terms, this person is called the "Affiant."

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code

• What is the deceased person's name, date, and place of death?

  Enter the decedent's full legal name and the date and place of death listed on his or her death certificate.

• Name
• Date of Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• City of Death
• State of Death
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

• How and for how long did you know the Decedent?

  Enter the start and end dates you knew the Decedent and your relationship to him or her.

• From
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Until
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• The Decedent was my:
  AuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife

• What type of property did the Decedent leave?

• Real estate and personal property should be covered in separate affidavits to ensure the original can be recorded with the proper authority.
  • Personal Property
  • Real Property (Land, Residence, Real Estate)

• List the personal property items left by the Decedent.

  List each item one at a time. You will be able to enter as many items as necessary. The location refers to the bank, business or individual who currently maintains the property.

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Second Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Third Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Fourth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Fifth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Sixth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Seventh Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Eighth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Ninth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value
• Estimated Value
  • Add another

• Tenth Personal Property Item

• Item
• Location
• Estimated Value

• What is the address of the property owned by the deceased party?

  You should also indicate the county where the property is located and the legal description. The legal description can be found on the deed to the property. This Affidavit should only cover property located in the same county.

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• rental add another
  • Add another

• Second Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Third Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Fourth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Fifth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Sixth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Seventh Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Eighth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Ninth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description
• Post Custom Field
  • Add another

• Tenth Property

• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• County
• Legal Description

• Did the Decedent ever marry?

• Select "Yes" if the Decedent was ever married in his or her life.
• Did the Decedent ever marry
  • Yes
  • No, never married

• Describe the marital history of the Decedent here.

  Leave blank any fields that do not apply.

• First Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Second Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Third Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Fourth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Fifth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Sixth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Seventh Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Eighth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Ninth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  • Add another

• Tenth Spouse

• Spouse's Name
• Date of Marriage
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Divorce
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Date of Spouse's Death
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• Who are the remaining surviving legal heirs of the Decedent?

  You can enter the names of the deceased's parents, children, grandchildren or other immediate relatives.

• Who are the surviving legal heirs of the Decedent?

  You can enter the names of the deceased's parents, children, grandchildren or other immediate relatives.

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Second Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Third Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Fourth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Fifth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Sixth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Seventh Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Eighth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Ninth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY
• 2SurvivingHeir
  • Add another

• Tenth Surviving Heir

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
• ZIP Code
• Relationship
  NoneAuntBrotherBrother-in-lawCousinDaughterDaughter-in-lawFatherFather-in-lawFriendGranddaughterGrandfatherGrandmotherGrandsonHusbandMotherMother-in-lawNephewNieceSisterSister-in-lawSonSon-in-lawSpouseUncleWife
• Date of Birth
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• When will this Affidavit be signed?

  You can leave this question blank if you are unsure of the signing date.

• Date
  MM slash DD slash YYYY

• Did the Decedent address the property in a Last Will and Testament?

  Select the option that applies to your situation. If the property was addressed in a Will, this document is not needed.

• Addressed in a Will, this document is not needed
  • No, the Will did not specifically refer to the property
  • No, decedent did not leave a Will

• Where will the person making the Affidavit sign the document?

• This document must be signed by a notary public. Choosing the state where the Affidavit is signed will determine the proper format for the notary section. Certain states may require witnesses to sign the affidavit as well.

• County (not country)
• State
  SelectAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

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Understanding the Affidavit of Heirship in California: A Simple Guide

Losing a loved one is a difficult time, and navigating the legal processes that follow can feel overwhelming. If you are dealing with the estate of someone who passed away in California without a will, you may have come across the term "Affidavit of Heirship." This legal document can sometimes simplify the transfer of property to rightful heirs, avoiding the complexities of formal probate.

But what exactly is an Affidavit of Heirship, and when can it be used in California? This blog post will provide you with a clear understanding of this important legal tool.

What is an Affidavit of Heirship?

An Affidavit of Heirship is essentially a sworn statement that identifies the legal heirs of a deceased person. It's a document used to establish who is entitled to inherit property when someone dies without a valid will, which is known as dying "intestate."

Think of it as a family tree, but in a legal format. The affidavit outlines the deceased's family history, including their marital status, children, and other relatives, to determine the rightful heirs under California's intestate succession laws. This document is signed under oath by people who have knowledge of the deceased's family history – often family members themselves or close friends – and is typically notarized to attest to the validity of the signatures.

Purpose and Use in California

In California, an Affidavit of Heirship is primarily used to streamline the transfer of certain types of property, particularly personal property and sometimes real property, from a deceased person's estate to their heirs, without going through the full probate process. Probate can be a lengthy and costly court-supervised process to administer an estate. An Affidavit of Heirship offers a potentially faster and less expensive alternative for small estates.

Specifically, in California, you might use an Affidavit of Heirship to:

• Release funds from bank accounts: Banks and other financial institutions may accept an Affidavit of Heirship to release funds from the deceased's accounts to their heirs, especially if the account balances are relatively low.

• Transfer vehicles: The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may accept an Affidavit of Heirship to transfer ownership of vehicles.

• Transfer personal property: For other types of personal property, like furniture or jewelry, an Affidavit of Heirship can help establish ownership for the heirs.

• Potentially transfer real property (in limited cases): California Estates Code Section 13200 allows for the transfer of real property via affidavit if the gross value of the California real and personal property in the deceased's estate does not exceed a certain amount (currently $184,500 as of 2022, but this amount can change, so always verify the current limit). However, using an affidavit for real property transfer has specific requirements and is less common than for personal property.

Key Information Included in a California Affidavit of Heirship

A typical California Affidavit of Heirship will include:

• Deceased's Information : Full name, date and place of death, last residence.

• Marital History: Details about the deceased's marriages, including dates, names of spouses, and whether marriages ended in divorce or death.

• Heir Information: A comprehensive list of all legal heirs according to California's intestate succession laws, including their names, addresses, dates of birth, and relationship to the deceased.

• Property Description: A description of the assets intended to be transferred using the affidavit (e.g., bank account details, vehicle information, real property address).

• Affiant Information: Information about the person(s) signing the affidavit, stating their relationship to the deceased and the basis of their knowledge of the family history.

• Sworn Statement and Notarization: A declaration under oath that the information provided is true and accurate, signed by the affiant(s) in the presence of a notary public.

Important Limitations to Consider

While an Affidavit of Heirship can be a helpful tool, it's crucial to understand its limitations:

• Not a Substitute for Probate in All Cases: Affidavits of Heirship are generally only suitable for smaller estates that meet specific value thresholds. For larger or more complex estates, formal probate is usually required.

• Acceptance is Not Guaranteed: Even for smaller estates, institutions like banks or title companies are not required to accept an Affidavit of Heirship. They may still insist on probate.

• Real Property Transfer Complexities: While California law allows for real property transfer via affidavit under certain value limits, it can be more complex and may not be accepted by all title companies. It's often recommended to consult with a legal professional when dealing with real estate.

• Potential for Disputes: If there are disagreements about who the rightful heirs are, or if the family situation is complicated, an Affidavit of Heirship may not be appropriate, and probate may be necessary to resolve disputes through the court.

Is an Affidavit of Heirship Right for You?

An Affidavit of Heirship can be a valuable tool for simplifying estate administration in California, particularly for smaller estates with straightforward heirship situations. It can save time and money compared to formal probate.

In Conclusion

Understanding the Affidavit of Heirship is a crucial step in navigating estate administration when a loved one passes away without a will in California. While it offers a simplified process in certain situations, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Knowing its purpose, limitations, and when to seek professional legal advice will help you effectively manage estate matters during a sensitive time.