California Spousal Property Petition Lawyer 2026: Transfer Community & Separate Property Without Probate

San Diego California spousal property petition lawyer helps surviving spouses transfer community and separate property without probate. File immediately with form DE‑221. Free consultation.

“Key Takeaways”

• A California spousal property petition lawyer can help you transfer the decedent’s property without full probate. Under Probate Code § 13650, this procedure covers both community property and the decedent’s separate property that passes to the spouse under the will or by intestacy. It is faster, less expensive, and more private than full probate.
• There is no 40‑day waiting period. Unlike certain small estate affidavits, a spousal property petition may be filed at any time after the decedent’s death. A San Diego spousal property petition lawyer can help you file immediately to access bank accounts or transfer real estate.
• You must use Judicial Council form DE‑221. There is no alternative. The form is mandatory; a custom‑drafted pleading will be rejected by the probate examiner. A California spousal property petition lawyer ensures proper completion and filing.
• Notice must be given to heirs, devisees, and the executor, but not to general creditors. Under Probate Code § 13655, service on known creditors is not required. However, the surviving spouse remains personally liable for the decedent’s debts up to the value of the property received.
• San Diego spousal property petitions are filed at the Central Courthouse (1100 Union St). All documents must be e‑filed under Probate Local Rule 4.3.1 (general e‑filing mandate). Local Rule 4.3.2 prohibits the use of digitized signatures on certain probate documents; we ensure compliance with proper signatures.
• A Probate Case Cover Sheet (Form PR‑020) is required. A San Diego spousal property petition lawyer attaches the correct local cover sheet and handles all e‑filing.

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California Spousal Property Petition Lawyer: The 2026 Guide to Transferring Property Without Probate

Introduction: The $800,000 San Diego Home That Should Have Stayed in the Family

When Linda’s husband passed away, they owned an $800,000 home in San Diego’s North Park, a joint bank account, and a vacation property in Arizona. Linda assumed that as the surviving spouse, she automatically owned everything. She soon learned that the title to the home was still in both names, and the Arizona property required a separate court proceeding.

Her friend suggested full probate. The estimated cost? Over $38,000 in statutory fees and 12 months of court supervision.

But Linda’s attorney had a better idea. Because the California assets were either community property or separate property that passed to her under her husband’s will, she could use a spousal property petition under Probate Code § 13650. Within 60 days, she obtained a court order transferring the home and bank accounts into her sole name. The Arizona property required a separate small estate proceeding, but the California portion was resolved quickly and at a fraction of the cost.

At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. , we are a trusted California spousal property petition lawyer serving San Diego families. We help surviving spouses navigate the spousal property petition process with speed and accuracy. This guide will walk you through what the procedure covers, how to file, and when it’s the right choice for your family.

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Part One: What Is a Spousal Property Petition?

Statutory Authority

The spousal property petition is governed by Probate Code §§ 13650‑13660. It allows a surviving spouse to have the court determine the decedent’s interest in property and to transfer that interest to the surviving spouse without the need for full probate.

Key Concept: The petition can cover:

• The decedent’s share of community property
• The decedent’s separate property that passes to the surviving spouse under the will or by intestate succession

This means a wide range of assets can be transferred through a single, streamlined proceeding. A California spousal property petition lawyer can help you identify which assets qualify.

What Assets Can Be Transferred?

Asset Type	Eligible?	Conditions
Community property	Yes	The decedent’s one‑half interest
Separate property	Yes	Must pass to spouse under will or intestacy
Real property	Yes	Must be described with legal description
Personal property	Yes	Bank accounts, vehicles, investments
Quasi‑community property	Yes	Property acquired outside California that would be community if acquired here

Advantages Over Full Probate

Feature	Spousal Property Petition	Full Probate
Timing	Can be filed immediately after death	At least 4‑6 weeks to open
Duration	2‑3 months	9‑12 months
Statutory fees	None (only filing fees)	4%‑2% of gross value
Public record	Only the petition and order	Entire case public
Creditor involvement	No creditor notice required	Formal 4‑month claim period

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Part Two: Eligibility – No Waiting Period, Broad Asset Coverage

No 40‑Day Waiting Period

Under Probate Code § 13650, a spousal property petition may be filed at any time after the decedent’s death. Unlike the small estate affidavit (which requires 40 days), there is no waiting period. Spouses often file within days to:

• Access bank accounts to pay funeral expenses
• Transfer title to a San Diego home to sell or refinance
• Secure assets before a creditor appears

A San Diego spousal property petition lawyer can help you file immediately, avoiding unnecessary delays.

Separate Property Is Included

A common misconception is that the petition only covers community property. In fact, the decedent’s separate property may be included if it passes to the surviving spouse under the will or by intestate succession. For example:

• A house the decedent owned before marriage, but left to the spouse in a will
• An inheritance the decedent received during marriage, passing to the spouse as the sole heir

Strategic Note: At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp., we review the will and the decedent’s assets to determine whether separate property can be included, saving families from having to open a separate probate.

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Part Three: The Petition Process – Step‑by‑Step

Step 1: Gather Asset Information and the Will

Compile:

• List of all assets (real estate, bank accounts, investments)
• Legal descriptions for real property
• The decedent’s will (if any)
• Marriage certificate
• Death certificate

Step 2: Identify Persons Entitled to Notice

Under Probate Code § 13655, you must serve the petition on:

• All heirs (if no will) or devisees (if a will exists)
• The executor named in the will (if any)
• The Department of Health Care Services if the decedent received Medi‑Cal benefits

Important: General creditors are not required to be served with the petition. The surviving spouse remains personally liable for the decedent’s debts up to the value of the property received, but the court does not require notice to creditors.

Step 3: Prepare and File the Petition – Use Form DE‑221

You must use Judicial Council form DE‑221 (Spousal or Domestic Partner Property Petition) . This is the mandatory form. A custom‑drafted pleading will be rejected by the probate examiner. A California spousal property petition lawyer ensures the form is correctly completed.

Filing at the San Diego Central Courthouse: All probate filings are at the San Diego Superior Court Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Documents must be e‑filed under Probate Local Rule 4.3.1 (general e‑filing mandate). Local Rule 4.3.2 prohibits the use of digitized signatures (e.g., DocuSign) on certain probate documents; we ensure proper original signatures or conformed copies.

Required local forms:

• Probate Case Cover Sheet (Form PR‑020) – mandatory for new filings
• Proof of Service – use Form SDSC PR‑001 for proof of service

Step 4: Serve the Petition

Serve the petition and a notice of hearing on all required persons. Service must be by mail (or personal service) at least 15 days before the hearing. We use certified mail to obtain proof.

Proof of Service: File proof of service using Form SDSC PR‑001 (San Diego local form).

Step 5: Hearing

The court sets a hearing, usually 4‑6 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge will review the petition, ensure proper notice was given, and determine whether the property qualifies. If no objections are filed, the court will sign an order.

Step 6: Record the Order

If real estate is involved, record the Order Determining Spousal Property with the San Diego County Recorder’s Office (1600 Pacific Highway or the North County satellite). This order serves as the legal document to transfer title to the surviving spouse. We handle the recording process for our clients.

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Part Four: Special Considerations – Quasi‑Community Property and Separate Property

Quasi‑Community Property

Quasi‑community property is property acquired outside California during marriage that would have been community property if acquired here. It is treated the same as community property for the petition.

Example: A couple married in 1990, lived in Texas, and purchased a home in 1995. They moved to San Diego in 2000. The Texas home, if still owned, is quasi‑community property and can be included.

Separate Property Under the Will

If the decedent owned separate property and left it to the surviving spouse in a will, that property can be transferred through the spousal property petition. This avoids opening a full probate solely for that asset.

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Part Five: Limitations – When Full Probate Is Still Required

Contested Property or Beneficiaries

If there is a dispute about whether the property is community or separate, or if other heirs object to the petition, the court may require a full probate.

Property That Does Not Pass to the Spouse

If the decedent’s separate property passes to someone other than the surviving spouse (e.g., to children from a prior marriage), it cannot be included in the spousal property petition. Full probate or other summary procedures may be necessary.

Pending Probate

If a full probate is already open, you cannot file a standalone spousal property petition. You may either:

• Ask the probate court to treat the petition as a motion within the probate case, or
• Seek to dismiss the probate (if no conflicts) and then file the spousal property petition.

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Part Six: San Diego Superior Court – Local Procedures

Venue: Central Courthouse, 1100 Union St

All probate matters, including spousal property petitions, are now at the San Diego Superior Court Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101. The Hall of Justice (330 W Broadway) no longer handles probate matters. A San Diego spousal property petition lawyer knows the local venue and procedures.

Mandatory E‑Filing – Probate Local Rule 4.3.1

All probate documents must be e‑filed under San Diego Probate Local Rule 4.3.1. Local Rule 4.3.2 prohibits the use of digitized signatures on certain probate documents; we ensure compliance by using original wet signatures or conformed copies where required.

Required Forms

Form	Purpose
DE‑221	Spousal or Domestic Partner Property Petition (Judicial Council)
PR‑020	Probate Case Cover Sheet (San Diego local)
SDSC PR‑001	Proof of Service (San Diego local form)

Recording the Order

After obtaining the order, we record it with the San Diego County Recorder’s Office. We prepare the recorded order and file a copy with the court.

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Part Seven: Recent Legal Updates (2025‑2026)

AB 2016 – Increased Real Property Limits

AB 2016 (effective April 1, 2025) raised the limit for the Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property to $750,000. For estates with separate property real estate under that limit, you might use that procedure instead of full probate. However, for property passing to the spouse, the spousal property petition remains the simplest option.

AB 565 – Virtual Representation (Limited Impact)

AB 565 (effective January 1, 2026) allows virtual representation in trust proceedings. It does not apply to spousal property petitions, which are probate matters. Minor heirs still require a guardian ad litem if they are entitled to notice.

FinCEN RRE Rule – Death Transfers Exempt

The 2026 FinCEN Residential Real Estate (RRE) Rule requires reporting of certain non‑financed transfers of residential real estate. Death transfers are explicitly exempt. Recording a spousal property petition order does not require a FinCEN report.

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Part Eight: Client Document Collection Checklist

If you are considering a spousal property petition, gather:

• Marriage certificate
• Death certificate (certified copies – at least 5)
• Deeds for all real property
• Bank and investment statements showing ownership
• Will (if any)
• List of all heirs and devisees (spouse, children, parents, siblings, and any persons named in the will)
• Tax returns (if quasi‑community property is involved)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact Our San Diego California Spousal Property Petition Lawyer

If you are a surviving spouse seeking to transfer property without full probate, contact Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. today. We are experienced California spousal property petition lawyers serving San Diego families. We help you navigate the process quickly and affordably, ensuring your loved one’s property is transferred to you with minimal stress and cost.

Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp.
4501 Mission Bay Dr. #3c
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 436-7544

Call today for a free consultation. Let us help you secure your rights as a surviving spouse.

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Sources:

• California Probate Code § 13650 (Spousal Property Petition)
• California Probate Code § 13655 (Notice to Heirs and Devisees)
• Judicial Council Form DE‑221
• San Diego Superior Court Probate Division Local Rules
• San Diego County Recorder’s Office
• Assembly Bill 2016 (2025) – Small Estate Real Property

• [San Diego Trust Asset Divorce Attorney] + Protecting Inheritance Under Family Code § 770
• California Small Estate Probate Lawyer 2026: $184,500 Personal Property & $750,000 Real Property Limits
• California Summary Probate Lawyer 2026: Small Estate Affidavit & Real Property Petition Under Probate Code § 13100 & § 13151
• California Construction Site Injury Lawyer: Third-Party Claims Under § 3852 in San Diego
• Bypass MICRA caps San Diego medical malpractice

English Subpages

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1. Spousal Property Petition Overview: Eligibility & Timing

A spousal property petition under Probate Code § 13650 allows a surviving spouse to transfer both community property and separate property (if it passes to the spouse by will or intestacy) without full probate. There is no 40‑day waiting period; you may file immediately after death. We help San Diego families determine eligibility and file without delay.

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2. File Immediately – No 40‑Day Waiting Period

Unlike small estate affidavits, a spousal property petition can be filed at any time after the decedent’s death. This allows surviving spouses to access bank accounts, transfer real estate, or refinance a home in San Diego without waiting weeks. We prepare and file the petition promptly to protect your interests.

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3. Including Separate Property in the Spousal Petition

Many surviving spouses do not realize that the petition can include the decedent’s separate property when it passes to the spouse under a will or by intestacy. Whether it’s a home owned before marriage or a separate inheritance, we help you include it in the petition to avoid a separate probate.

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4. Judicial Council Form DE‑221 – The Mandatory Form

California requires the use of Judicial Council form DE‑221 (Spousal or Domestic Partner Property Petition) . No other form is accepted. We complete the form accurately, attach the required exhibits, and ensure it meets the probate examiner’s standards at the San Diego Central Courthouse.

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5. San Diego Superior Court Filing Procedures (E‑Filing & Forms)

Spousal property petitions in San Diego are filed at the Central Courthouse (1100 Union St) . All documents must be e‑filed under Probate Local Rule 4.3.1; Rule 4.3.2 prohibits digitized signatures. We attach the mandatory Probate Case Cover Sheet (Form PR‑020) and file proof of service on Form SDSC PR‑001.

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6. Notice Requirements – Heirs, Devisees, and Creditors

Under Probate Code § 13655, you must serve notice of the petition on heirs, devisees (persons named in the will), and the executor. General creditors are not required to be served. However, the surviving spouse remains personally liable for the decedent’s debts up to the value of the property received. We handle service and proof of filing.

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7. Quasi‑Community Property in the Spousal Petition

Assets acquired outside California during marriage that would have been community property if acquired here are treated as quasi‑community property and may be included in the petition. This is especially relevant for San Diego families who moved from other states. We assist in proving quasi‑community status.

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8. Recording the Court Order with San Diego County Recorder

After the court signs the Order Determining Spousal Property, we record it with the San Diego County Recorder’s Office (1600 Pacific Highway or the North County satellite). Recording perfects title for real estate and is essential for selling or refinancing a San Diego home.

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9. When a Spousal Property Petition Is Not Enough

If the decedent had separate property that does not pass to the spouse, or if there are disputes among heirs, full probate may be required. We help evaluate whether a spousal petition, small estate affidavit, or full probate is the best path for your situation.

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10. 2026 Updates: AB 2016 and Small Estate Interaction

AB 2016 (effective April 1, 2025) raised the limit for the real property small estate petition to $750,000. For separate property real estate under that limit, that alternative may be simpler. We explain how to choose between a spousal property petition and other summary procedures in light of 2026 law changes.

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Chinese Subpages (中文)

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1. 配偶财产申请概述：资格与时间

根据《遗嘱认证法典》第13650条，配偶财产申请允许健在配偶将共同财产及通过遗嘱或无遗嘱继承归其所有的个人财产进行转移，无需经过完整遗嘱认证。没有40天等待期，可在死亡后立即提出申请。我们帮助圣地亚哥家庭确定资格并及时提交申请。

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2. 立即提交申请 – 无40天等待期

与小额遗产宣誓书不同，配偶财产申请可在被继承人死亡后的任何时间提交。这使得健在配偶能够迅速动用银行账户、转移不动产或对圣地亚哥的房屋进行再融资，无需等待数周。我们及时准备并提交申请，保护您的权益。

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3. 在配偶申请中包括个人财产

许多健在配偶不知道，若个人财产通过遗嘱或无遗嘱继承归其所有，该财产也可纳入申请范围。无论是婚前拥有的房屋还是单独继承的财产，我们都帮助将其纳入申请，避免另行启动遗嘱认证程序。

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4. 司法委员会表格DE‑221 – 强制使用的表格

加州要求使用司法委员会表格DE‑221（配偶或同居伴侣财产申请）。不接受其他表格。我们准确填写表格，附上所需附件，并确保符合圣地亚哥中央法院遗嘱认证审查员的要求。

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5. 圣地亚哥高等法院提交程序（电子归档与表格）

配偶财产申请在圣地亚哥中央法院（1100 Union St）提交。所有文件必须依据遗嘱认证本地规则4.3.1进行电子归档；规则4.3.2禁止使用数字签名。我们附上强制性的遗嘱认证案件封面表（PR‑020），并使用SDSC PR‑001表格提交送达证明。

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6. 通知要求 – 继承人、受遗赠人与债权人

根据《遗嘱认证法典》第13655条，必须将申请通知送达继承人、受遗赠人（遗嘱中指定的人）以及遗嘱执行人。普通债权人无需送达。但是，健在配偶仍需对被继承人的债务承担个人责任，责任上限为所获财产价值。我们负责送达及证明文件的提交。

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7. 配偶申请中的准共同财产

在婚姻期间于加州境外取得、若在加州取得则属于共同财产的资产，视为准共同财产，可纳入申请范围。这对从其他州迁至圣地亚哥的家庭尤其重要。我们协助证明准共同财产的性质。

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8. 在圣地亚哥县登记处记录法院令

法院签署配偶财产确定令后，我们将在圣地亚哥县登记处（1600 Pacific Highway或北县分局）进行记录。记录可完善不动产的产权，对于出售或再融资圣地亚哥的房屋至关重要。

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9. 何时配偶财产申请不足

如果被继承人有未归健在配偶所有的个人财产，或继承人之间存在争议，则可能仍需进行完整遗嘱认证。我们帮助评估配偶申请、小额遗产宣誓书或完整遗嘱认证哪种方式最适合您的情况。

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10. 2026年更新：AB 2016与小额遗产程序的衔接

AB 2016（2025年4月1日生效）将不动产小额遗产申请限额提高至75万美元。对于低于该限额的个人财产不动产，该替代程序可能更为简便。我们结合2026年法律变化，为您说明如何在配偶财产申请与其他摘要程序之间做出选择。

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Hebrew Subpages (עברית)

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1. סקירת בקשה לרכוש בן/בת זוג: זכאות ותזמון

בקשה לרכוש בן/בת זוג לפי חוק הירושות § 13650 מאפשרת לבן/בת הזוג הנותר להעביר רכוש משותף ורכוש פרטי העובר אליו/ה על פי צוואה או ירושה, ללא צו ירושה מלא. אין תקופת המתנה של 40 יום; ניתן להגיש מיד לאחר הפטירה. אנו מסייעים למשפחות בסן דייגו לקבוע זכאות ולהגיש ללא דיחוי.

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2. הגשה מיידית – אין תקופת המתנה של 40 יום

בניגוד להצהרת עיזבון קטן, בקשה לרכוש בן/בת זוג ניתנת להגשה בכל זמן לאחר הפטירה. זה מאפשר לבן/בת הזוג הנותר גישה לחשבונות בנק, העברת מקרקעין או מימון מחדש של בית בסן דייגו ללא המתנה של שבועות. אנו מכינים ומגישים את הבקשה בהקדם כדי להגן על זכויותיכם.

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3. הכללת רכוש פרטי בבקשה

בני/בנות זוג רבים אינם מודעים לכך שניתן לכלול בבקשה גם רכוש פרטי של המנוח, כל עוד הוא עובר לבן/בת הזוג על פי צוואה או ירושה. בין אם מדובר בבית שנרכש לפני הנישואין או בירושה נפרדת, אנו מסייעים לכללו כדי להימנע מצו ירושה נפרד.

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4. טופס DE‑221 של הרשות השיפוטית – הטופס המחייב

קליפורניה מחייבת שימוש בטופס DE‑221 של הרשות השיפוטית (בקשה לרכוש בן/בת זוג או בן/בת זוג ידוע/ה בציבור) . אין טופס חלופי. אנו ממלאים את הטופס כראוי, מצרפים את המסמכים הנדרשים ומבטיחים עמידה בדרישות רשם הירושות בבית המשפט המרכזי בסן דייגו.

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5. הליכי הגשה בבית המשפט המחוזי של סן דייגו (הגשה אלקטרונית וטפסים)

בקשות לרכוש בן/בת זוג מוגשות בבית המשפט המרכזי של סן דייגו (1100 Union St). כל המסמכים מוגשים באופן אלקטרוני לפי תקנה מקומית 4.3.1; תקנה 4.3.2 אוסרת על שימוש בחתימות דיגיטליות. אנו מצרפים את טופס כיסוי הירושות (PR‑020) ומגישים אישור מסירה באמצעות טופס SDSC PR‑001.

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6. דרישות מסירה – יורשים, נהלנים ונושים

לפי חוק הירושות § 13655, יש למסור הודעה על הבקשה ליורשים, לנהלנים (האנשים הנקובים בצוואה) ולמנהל העיזבון (אם קיים). נושים כלליים אין צורך למסור להם הודעה. עם זאת, בן/בת הזוג הנותר נושא באחריות אישית לחובות המנוח עד לגובה שווי הנכסים שקיבל. אנו מטפלים במסירה ובהגשת אישורי המסירה.

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7. רכוש קהילתי-למחצה (Quasi‑Community) בבקשה

נכסים שנרכשו מחוץ לקליפורניה במהלך הנישואין שהיו הופכים לרכוש קהילתי לו נרכשו בקליפורניה נחשבים לרכוש קהילתי‑למחצה וניתנים להכללה בבקשה. זה רלוונטי במיוחד למשפחות בסן דייגו שעברו ממדינות אחרות. אנו מסייעים בהוכחת מעמד זה.

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8. רישום צו בית המשפט במשרד הרשם של מחוז סן דייגו

לאחר שבית המשפט חותם על צו קביעת רכוש בן/בת זוג, אנו רושמים אותו במשרד הרשם של מחוז סן דייגו (1600 Pacific Highway או הסניף הצפוני). הרישום משלים את זכות הבעלות במקרקעין והוא הכרחי למכירה או למימון מחדש של בית בסן דייגו.

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9. מתי בקשה לרכוש בן/בת זוג אינה מספיקה

אם למנוח היה רכוש פרטי שאינו עובר לבן/בת הזוג, או אם ישנם סכסוכים בין היורשים, ייתכן שיידרש צו ירושה מלא. אנו מסייעים להעריך האם בקשה לרכוש בן/בת זוג, הצהרת עיזבון קטן או צו ירושה מלא הוא המסלול המתאים ביותר למצבכם.

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10. עדכוני 2026: AB 2016 והשפעה על עיזבונות קטנים

AB 2016 (תוקף 1 באפריל 2025) העלה את תקרת בקשות הירושה למקרקעין ל‑750,000 דולר. עבור מקרקעין שהם רכוש פרטי ועומדים בתקרה זו, הליך חלופי זה עשוי להיות פשוט יותר. אנו מסייעים לבחור בין בקשה לרכוש בן/בת זוג לבין הליכים מקוצרים אחרים לאור השינויים בחוק.