California · Probate Code

PROB §21131: A specific gift passes the property transferred subject to any mortgage, deed of trust, or other lien existing at the date of death, without right of exoneration, regardless of a general directive to

What this law says, in plain English

A specific gift in a will transfers property subject to existing mortgages or liens as of death, with no right to have the estate pay off those debts.

Read the full statutory text
A specific gift passes the property transferred subject to any mortgage, deed of trust, or other lien existing at the date of death, without right of exoneration, regardless of a general directive to pay debts contained in the instrument.

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