surviving spouse – California Globe

Rights of a Surviving Spouse

March 30, 2026 2:28 amMarch 30, 2026 2:29 am

Division 8, Part 2, Chapter 2 deals with the right of a surviving spouse to dispose of property without administration. Section 13540 provides that, after 40 days from the death of a spouse, the surviving spouse or the personal representative,...

Liability for a Deceased Spouse’s Debt

March 4, 2026 2:30 amMarch 4, 2026 2:31 am

Section 13550 provides that, upon the death of a married person, the surviving spouse is personally liable for the debts of the deceased spouse chargeable against the property. Section 13551 prohibits this liability from exceeding the fair market value at...