Property OwnershipIntermediateCalifornia Exam

In California, personal property of a deceased person who dies intestate (without a will) and has no known heirs ultimately passes to:

AThe state of California under the doctrine of escheatCorrect

BThe nearest neighbor, per standard California real property conventions

CThe federal government, under standard California property ownership law

DThe county where the property is located, as typically recorded in a California deed

Why The state of California under the doctrine of escheat Is Correct

Answer A: The state of California under the doctrine of escheat

Escheat is the process by which property of a person who dies without a will and without heirs passes to the state. In California, after a period of time, unclaimed property escheats to the state Controller's office under the Unclaimed Property Law.

Exam Tip: Property Ownership

Property ownership questions test the bundle of rights and different forms of ownership. Know the differences between joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and community property, including the right of survivorship.

Key Property Ownership Terms in This Question

Deed

A written legal instrument used to transfer ownership of real property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee).

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.

Option Contract

A contract giving the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a property at a specified price within a specified time period.

Deed

A written legal instrument used to transfer ownership of real property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee).

Easement

A non-possessory right to use another person's land for a specific purpose.