California · Evidence Code

EVID §643: A deed or will or other writing purporting to create, terminate, or affect an interest in real or personal property is presumed to be authentic if it: (a) Is at least 30 years old; (b) Is in such cond

What this law says, in plain English

A deed, will, or similar document affecting property rights is presumed authentic if it is at least 30 years old and in specified condition.

Read the full statutory text
A deed or will or other writing purporting to create, terminate, or affect an interest in real or personal property is presumed to be authentic if it: (a) Is at least 30 years old; (b) Is in such condition as to create no suspicion concerning its authenticity; (c) Was kept, or if found was found, in a place where such writing, if authentic, would be likely to be kept or found; and (d) Has been generally acted upon as authentic by persons having an interest in the matter.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.