California · Probate Code

PROB §24: “Beneficiary” means a person to whom a donative transfer of property is made or that person’s successor in interest, and: (a) As it relates to the intestate estate of a decedent, means an heir.

What this law says, in plain English

A beneficiary is a person who receives property through a gift or inheritance, or their legal successor. In an intestate estate, a beneficiary is an heir.

Read the full statutory text

“Beneficiary” means a person to whom a donative transfer of property is made or that person’s successor in interest, and: (a) As it relates to the intestate estate of a decedent, means an heir. (b) As it relates to the testate estate of a decedent, means a devisee. (c) As it relates to a trust, means a person who has any present or future interest, vested or contingent. (d) As it relates to a charitable trust, includes any person entitled to enforce the trust.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

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.