CA risk area
Complexity triggers in California
Scenarios that increase estate risk, such as blended families or multi-state property.
California estates depend on community and quasi-community property classification, which can pull in assets acquired while living in other states.
Which situations create the most risk here?What types of families face higher default exposure?Where do disputes most often arise?
At a glance
Key takeaways
- Property acquired during marriage while domiciled in California is community property.
- Property acquired while domiciled elsewhere can be treated as quasi-community property if it would have been community property in California.
Questions to consider
Questions this risk area helps you evaluate in California
- Which situations create the most risk here?
- What types of families face higher default exposure?
- Where do disputes most often arise?
State overview
California estates depend on community and quasi-community property classification, which can pull in assets acquired while living in other states.
- Property acquired during marriage while domiciled in California is community property.
- Property acquired while domiciled elsewhere can be treated as quasi-community property if it would have been community property in California.
Sources
- https://california.public.law/codes/family_code_section_760
- https://california.public.law/codes/family_code_section_125
Risk sources
- Uniform Probate Code (2019) - Foreign personal representatives
Article IV addresses ancillary administration and multi-state estates.
- Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA)
Jurisdiction conflicts for multi-state guardianship matters.
- Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA)
Heirs property disputes and forced-sale protections.
National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in California.