What is an estate?

An estate can mean the property a person owned at death. The exact legal treatment of that property depends on state law and its ownership.

California Courts uses this term for the deceased person's legally owned property. Making an inventory while you are alive helps you explain what exists. It does not decide how property transfers or replace advice from a lawyer.

What we checked

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California Courts calls the property legally owned by a person who died their estate.California CourtsOct 15, 2026

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