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The California Heirship form serves as a crucial document for individuals seeking to claim property belonging to a deceased person. This form meticulously outlines the relationships between the deceased owner and their known relatives, ensuring that all potential heirs are accounted for in the claim process. It requires detailed information, including the names, birth dates, and, if applicable, death dates of the deceased owner's spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings. Each section of the form is designed to capture specific familial connections, making it easier for the claimant to establish their right to the property. In addition to personal details, the form includes a declaration under penalty of perjury, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and honesty in the information provided. Claimants must also attach certified death certificates for all deceased relatives listed, reinforcing the need for thorough documentation. By following the instructions carefully and filling out each section completely, individuals can navigate the complexities of property claims in California more effectively.

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TABLE OF HEIRSHIP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deceased Owner Name:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deceased Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIST ALL KNOWN RELATIVES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter Nonein any section for which there is no known relative.

 

 

 

Property ID:

 

 

 

 

(If you need additional space, attach a second Table of Heirship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

identifying all missing relatives for all appropriate sections.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 1

 

 

 

 

FIRST

MIDDLE

(MAIDEN) LAST

 

 

 

Date of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriage

 

Birth

 

Death

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deceased Owner’s

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spouse(s)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2

 

 

 

 

FIRST

MIDDLE

(MAIDEN) LAST

 

 

Parent’s Name

 

Birth

 

Death

 

 

 

 

 

 

(FROM SECTION 1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deceased Owner’s

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3

 

 

 

 

FIRST

MIDDLE

(MAIDEN) LAST

 

 

Parent’s Name

 

Birth

 

Death

 

 

 

 

 

 

(FROM SECTION 2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deceased Owner’s

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandchildren

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4

 

 

 

 

FIRST

MIDDLE

(MAIDEN) LAST

 

 

 

 

Birth

 

Death

Deceased

 

Father:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owner’s Parents

 

Mother:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5

 

 

 

 

FIRST

MIDDLE

(MAIDEN) LAST

 

 

 

 

Birth

 

Death

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deceased Owner’s

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brothers and Sisters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 6

 

 

 

 

FIRST

MIDDLE

(MAIDEN) LAST

 

 

Parent’s Name

 

Birth

 

Death

 

 

 

 

 

 

(FROM SECTION 5)

 

 

Children of Deceased

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owner’s Brothers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Sisters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I declare under penalty of perjury, under the laws of the State of California, that all statements contained in this Table of Heirship and any accompanying documents are true and correct, with full knowledge that all statements made in the Table of Heirship are subject to investigation and that any false or dishonest statement may be grounds for denial of the submitted claim.

PRINTED NAME

SIGNATURE

 

 

DS/gk

Rev. 4/25/2012

Name
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Section 6
Name
Parent’s Name
(FROM SECTION 5)
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Section 5
Section 4
Name
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Name
Parent’s Name
(FROM SECTION 2)
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Section 3
Name
Parent’s Name
(FROM SECTION 1)
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Section 2
Name
Date of Marriage
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Section 1

 

TABLE OF HEIRSHIP

 

INSTRUCTIONS

Deceased Owner Name

Enter the name of the deceased person whose property you are claiming.

 

 

Deceased Date

Enter the date the deceased property owner died.

 

 

Property ID

Enter the Property ID found on the claim details page printed with your claim form.

 

 

To ensure you receive the funds to which you are entitled, enter the requested information for yourself and all of the deceased property owners known relatives, both living and dead. In addition, provide a copy of all pages of the certified death certificate for all deceased relatives listed in all Sections above your name to whom you are directly related (such as, your grandmother/grandfather, mother/father, and/or son/daughter).

Include in this section all of the deceased property owner’s current or former spouses. Enter one spouse per line (living or dead). If the deceased owner never married, enter “None.”

Enter the spouses first, middle, (maiden name, if applicable) and last name.

Enter the spouses date of marriage to the deceased property owner.

Enter the spouses date of birth.

If the spouse is deceased, enter the spouses date of death.

Include in this section all of the deceased property owner’s children. Enter one child per line (living or dead). If the deceased owner did not have any children, enter “None.”

Enter the child’s first, middle, (maiden name, if applicable) and last name.

Enter the first name of the childs parent, as listed in Section 1.

Enter the child’s date of birth.

If the child is deceased, enter the childs date of death.

Include in this section all of the deceased property owner’s grandchildren. Enter one grandchild per line (living or dead). If the deceased owner did not have any grandchildren, enter “None.”

Enter the grandchilds first, middle, (maiden name, if applicable) and last name.

Enter the first name of grandchilds parent, as listed in Section 2.

Enter the grandchilds date of birth.

If the grandchild is deceased, enter the grandchild’s date of death.

Include in this section both of the deceased property owner’s parents (living or dead).

Enter the parent’s first, middle, (maiden name, if applicable) and last name.

Enter the parent’s date of birth.

If the parent is deceased, enter the parent’s date of death.

Include in this section all of the deceased property owner’s brothers and sisters. Enter one brother or sister per line (living or dead). If the deceased owner did not have any brothers or sisters, enter “None.”

Enter the brother or sisters first, middle, (maiden name, if applicable) and last name.

Enter the brother or sisters date of birth.

If the brother or sister is deceased, enter the brother or sisters date of death.

Include in this section all of the deceased property owner’s nieces and nephews. Enter one niece or nephew per line (living or dead). If the deceased owner did not have any nieces or nephews, enter “None.”

Enter the niece or nephew’s first, middle, (maiden name, if applicable) and last name.

Enter the first name of the niece or nephews parent, as listed in Section 5.

Enter the niece or nephew’s date of birth.

If the niece or nephew is deceased, enter the niece or nephews date of death.

DS/gk

Rev. 4/25/2012

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose The California Heirship form is used to identify the heirs of a deceased property owner for the purpose of claiming property.
Governing Law This form is governed by California Probate Code Section 6400 and related statutes.
Required Information Applicants must provide the names, birth dates, and death dates of all known relatives, including spouses, children, and parents.
Affidavit Requirement The form includes a declaration under penalty of perjury, affirming the truthfulness of the provided information.
Attachments A certified death certificate for each deceased relative listed must accompany the form to validate claims.
Submission Process The completed form should be submitted to the relevant authority along with any necessary documentation to process the claim.

California Heirship: Usage Guidelines

Filling out the California Heirship form is an important step in claiming property after a loved one has passed away. After completing the form, it will need to be submitted along with any required documentation, such as death certificates, to ensure the claim is processed correctly.

  1. Enter the Deceased Owner's Name: Write the full name of the deceased person whose property you are claiming.
  2. Enter the Deceased Date: Fill in the date when the deceased property owner passed away.
  3. Enter the Property ID: Input the Property ID found on the claim details page that came with your claim form.
  4. List All Known Relatives: Provide information for all known relatives of the deceased. If there are no known relatives for a section, write “None.”
  5. Section 1 - Spouses: Enter the first, middle (maiden), and last name of each spouse. Include their date of marriage, date of birth, and date of death if applicable. List one spouse per line.
  6. Section 2 - Children: List each child of the deceased, including their first, middle (maiden), and last name. Provide the parent's name from Section 1, date of birth, and date of death if applicable. One child per line.
  7. Section 3 - Grandchildren: Enter the first, middle (maiden), and last name of each grandchild. Include their parent's name from Section 2, date of birth, and date of death if applicable. One grandchild per line.
  8. Section 4 - Parents: List both parents of the deceased, including their first, middle (maiden), and last names, date of birth, and date of death if applicable.
  9. Section 5 - Siblings: Enter the first, middle (maiden), and last name of each brother or sister. Include their date of birth and date of death if applicable. One sibling per line.
  10. Section 6 - Niece/Nephew: List each niece or nephew, including their first, middle (maiden), and last names. Provide their parent's name from Section 5, date of birth, and date of death if applicable. One niece or nephew per line.
  11. Declaration: Sign and print your name, confirming that all information provided is true and correct under penalty of perjury.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the California Heirship form?

The California Heirship form is a document used to identify the heirs of a deceased property owner. It lists all known relatives of the deceased, including spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and other relatives. This form is essential for claiming property or assets that belonged to the deceased.

Who should fill out the California Heirship form?

The form should be filled out by individuals who are claiming property or assets of a deceased person. This could be a spouse, child, or any other relative who is entitled to inherit from the deceased. It’s important to provide accurate information about the deceased and all known relatives.

What information is required on the form?

You will need to provide the deceased owner's name, date of death, and property ID. Additionally, you must list all known relatives, including their names, dates of birth, and dates of death if applicable. This includes spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings. If any section does not apply, you can simply write “None.”

What if I don’t know all the relatives of the deceased?

If you are unsure about some relatives, it’s best to include as much information as you can. You can also attach a second Table of Heirship if you need more space to identify missing relatives. However, providing complete and accurate information is crucial for the processing of your claim.

Do I need to provide death certificates?

Yes, you will need to provide copies of the certified death certificates for all deceased relatives listed in the form above your name. This includes parents, siblings, and any other direct relatives. This helps verify the information provided and ensures that your claim is processed smoothly.

What happens if I provide false information on the form?

Providing false or misleading information can lead to serious consequences, including the denial of your claim. The form includes a declaration stating that all information is true and correct, and any dishonesty may be grounds for legal action. It’s essential to be truthful and thorough when completing the form.

Can I submit the form if the deceased had no known relatives?

If the deceased had no known relatives, you can still submit the form. In such cases, you would enter “None” in all applicable sections. However, it’s advisable to seek legal guidance to understand how to proceed with the claim in the absence of heirs.

Is there a deadline for submitting the California Heirship form?

While there isn’t a specific deadline for submitting the Heirship form, it’s important to act promptly. Delays in filing may complicate the claims process or result in the loss of rights to the property. It’s best to submit the form as soon as you have gathered all necessary information.

Where do I submit the completed California Heirship form?

The completed form should be submitted to the appropriate court or agency handling the estate of the deceased. This could vary depending on the specific circumstances, so it’s advisable to check with local authorities or consult with a legal professional for guidance on where to file.

Can I get help with filling out the California Heirship form?

Absolutely! If you find the form confusing or need assistance, consider reaching out to a legal professional. They can provide guidance on how to fill out the form correctly and help ensure that all necessary information is included. You can also find resources online that offer step-by-step instructions.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: Failing to provide complete names, dates of birth, or dates of death for the deceased and their relatives can lead to delays or denials.

  2. Missing Sections: Omitting entire sections, such as not listing all known relatives or failing to indicate "None" where applicable, can cause confusion.

  3. Incorrect Spelling: Misspelling names, especially of relatives, can complicate the verification process and may result in rejection of the claim.

  4. Failure to Attach Required Documents: Not including certified death certificates for deceased relatives listed in the form can lead to issues with processing the claim.

  5. Using Outdated Forms: Submitting an old version of the Table of Heirship may not comply with current requirements, resulting in delays.

  6. Neglecting to Sign: Forgetting to sign the form can invalidate the submission and cause unnecessary delays in processing.

  7. Incorrect Property ID: Providing an incorrect Property ID can lead to confusion and potential denial of the claim.

  8. Inconsistent Information: Providing conflicting information across different sections can raise red flags and complicate the review process.

  9. Ignoring Instructions: Not following the specific instructions for each section can lead to incomplete submissions and subsequent delays.

Documents used along the form

The California Heirship form is an essential document for identifying the heirs of a deceased property owner. When filing this form, several other documents may be required to support your claim. Here’s a list of common forms and documents that are often used alongside the California Heirship form.

  • Death Certificate: A certified copy of the deceased's death certificate is crucial. It verifies the death and provides important details like the date of death.
  • Will: If the deceased left a will, it is necessary to include it. The will outlines how the deceased intended to distribute their assets.
  • Trust Documents: If the deceased had a trust, including the trust documents can clarify asset distribution and beneficiary designations.
  • Affidavit of Heirship: This document may be used to declare the identities of heirs when there is no will. It provides additional evidence of heirship.
  • Proof of Relationship: Documents like birth certificates or marriage licenses may be needed to establish the relationship between the claimant and the deceased.
  • Property Deeds: Copies of property deeds can help identify the assets owned by the deceased and support the claim for those assets.
  • Tax Returns: Recent tax returns of the deceased may be required to provide financial information and clarify asset ownership.
  • Court Filings: If there are any ongoing probate proceedings, relevant court filings should be included to provide context regarding the estate.

Gathering these documents can help ensure a smooth process when filing the California Heirship form. Each document plays a role in establishing the legitimacy of the claim and the rightful heirs to the deceased's estate.

Similar forms

  • Affidavit of Heirship: This document serves to establish the identity of heirs and their relationship to the deceased. Like the California Heirship form, it lists relatives and may require proof of their identities.
  • Death Certificate: A certified death certificate provides proof of death. The Heirship form requires this for deceased relatives listed, ensuring accurate record-keeping.
  • Will: A will outlines how a deceased person's assets should be distributed. Both documents identify heirs, but a will is a legal directive, while the Heirship form is more of a declaration.
  • Trust Document: Similar to a will, a trust document specifies how assets are managed and distributed after death. Both documents help clarify the intentions of the deceased regarding their estate.
  • Probate Petition: This document initiates the probate process to validate a will. The Heirship form may be used in probate to identify heirs, especially if no will exists.
  • Letter of Administration: Issued by a court, this letter appoints an administrator for an estate. It often accompanies the Heirship form to confirm who can act on behalf of the deceased's estate.
  • Family Tree Chart: This visual representation of family relationships can support the information provided in the Heirship form, showing how heirs are connected to the deceased.
  • Estate Inventory: This document lists all assets of the deceased. It complements the Heirship form by detailing what is being inherited by the identified heirs.
  • Power of Attorney: Although typically used for managing someone’s affairs while they are alive, it can provide insight into relationships and responsibilities, similar to the Heirship form.
  • Genealogical Records: These records document family history and relationships. They can support claims made in the Heirship form by providing additional proof of relationships.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California Heirship form, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things to do and avoid during this process.

  • Do enter the full name of the deceased owner accurately.
  • Do include the date of death of the deceased owner.
  • Do provide the Property ID as listed on the claim details page.
  • Do list all known relatives, including spouses, children, and grandchildren.
  • Do attach copies of certified death certificates for all deceased relatives mentioned.
  • Do enter "None" if there are no known relatives in a specific section.
  • Don't leave any sections blank if there is relevant information to provide.
  • Don't include living relatives who are not directly related to the deceased owner.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing it for accuracy.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that the form is completed correctly and submitted successfully.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the California Heirship form can lead to confusion and errors in the claims process. Here are ten common misconceptions, along with clarifications to help ensure accurate completion of the form.

  1. Only direct descendants need to be listed. Many believe that only children and spouses must be included. However, the form requires information about all known relatives, including parents, siblings, and grandchildren.
  2. It is unnecessary to provide death certificates. Some individuals think they can skip this step. In reality, the form mandates copies of certified death certificates for all deceased relatives listed above the claimant’s name.
  3. Entering "None" is optional. A common misconception is that leaving sections blank is acceptable. In fact, if there are no known relatives in a section, you must explicitly enter "None."
  4. The form can be submitted without a complete list of relatives. Some may assume that partial information is sufficient. However, providing a comprehensive list of all known relatives is crucial for processing the claim.
  5. All relatives must be living to be included. Many people think only living relatives should be listed. The form clearly states that both living and deceased relatives should be included.
  6. Only immediate family members are relevant. Some believe that only immediate family matters. In fact, the form requires information about extended family members, such as siblings and grandchildren.
  7. The form is not legally binding. Some individuals think that completing the form is merely a formality. However, it is a legal document, and providing false information can lead to serious consequences.
  8. Filling out the form is a quick process. Many underestimate the time needed to gather accurate information. It is essential to take the time to ensure that all details are correct before submission.
  9. There is no need for a signature. Some may believe that a signature is unnecessary. However, the form requires the claimant’s printed name and signature to validate the information provided.
  10. Once submitted, the form cannot be changed. Many think that they cannot make corrections after submission. While it is best to submit accurate information initially, amendments can be made if necessary.

Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the California Heirship form more effectively, ensuring a smoother claims process.

Key takeaways

When filling out the California Heirship form, it’s essential to pay attention to detail. Here are some key takeaways to help guide you through the process:

  • Identify the Deceased: Clearly enter the name of the deceased property owner and the date of their passing.
  • Property ID: Include the Property ID from the claim details page to ensure proper identification.
  • List All Relatives: Document all known relatives of the deceased, both living and deceased. If there are none in a category, simply write “None.”
  • Spousal Information: Include all current and former spouses of the deceased. One spouse should be listed per line.
  • Children's Details: Provide information for each child of the deceased. If there are no children, indicate “None.”
  • Grandchildren: List all grandchildren, ensuring to mention if any are deceased.
  • Parental Information: Include both parents of the deceased, providing dates of birth and death as applicable.
  • Siblings: Document all siblings, noting their birth and death dates when relevant.
  • Nieces and Nephews: Include information for any nieces and nephews, with the same attention to detail regarding their status.
  • Certification: Remember to declare the truthfulness of your statements under penalty of perjury. This is a crucial step.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the California Heirship form is completed accurately, helping to facilitate the claims process effectively.