A new California probate rule could make transferring certain inherited homes simpler, but there are important requirements families need to understand. When a loved one passes away, the family often has a long list of decisions to make. If a home is involved, one of the first questions is usually: “Can we sell the house, or do we have to go through probate first?” California Assembly Bill 2016 (AB 2016) changed an important part of that equation. For qualifying deaths occurring on or after April 1, 2025, California increased the value limit for a specific simplified court procedure involving a decedent’s primary residence in California to $750,000. For families inheriting a California home, that’s a significant change. What Does AB 2016 Actually Do? AB 2016 increased the maximum value of a qualifying primary residence that may be transferred using the summary-succession procedure under California Probate Code §§ 13151–13154. Previously, the applicable threshold was $184,500. Beginning April 1, 2025, it increased to $750,000. This means some families may be able to ask the court to transfer ownership of an inherited home without going through the full formal probate administration process. However, this isn’t an automatic exemption from probate. There are specific …
What You Need to Know About Prop 58
Proposition 58, effective November 6, 1986, is a constitutional amendment approved by the voters of California which excludes from property tax reassessment transfers of real property between parents and children. There are eligibility requirements and guidelines that must be met to insure your property qualifies for this reassessment exclusion. In order to qualify for the exclusion a Proposition 58 form known as a “Claim for Reassessment Exclusion for Transfer Between Parent and Child” must be filed with the County Assessor’s office within 3 years from the date of transfer or within 6 months after notification by the Assessor. The form must be submitted to the Assessor along with a copy of the decedent’s certificate of death.