INSTRUCTIONS: CALIFORNIA ORDER DETERMINING SUCCESSION TO REAL PROPERTY (Form DE-315)

The form discussed in this article is an order issued by California courts to determine succession to real property in probate cases. This document can be obtained from the website maintained by the California Judicial Branch.

California Order Determining Succession To Real Property DE-315 Step 1: At the top of the form, enter the name, address, state bar number and telephone number of the attorney to whom the completed return should be returned. If not represented by a lawyer, enter your name, address and telephone number. In either case, providing a telephone number or email address is optional.

California Order Determining Succession To Real Property DE-315 Step 2: In the second blank box, enter the county where the court is located, as well as its street address, mailing address, city, zip code and branch name.

California Order Determining Succession To Real Property DE-315 Step 3: In the third blank box, enter the name of the decedent.

California Order Determining Succession To Real Property DE-315 Step 4: In the fourth blank box, enter the case number.

California Order Determining Succession To Real Property DE-315 Step 5: Check the box where indicated if this order also concerns personal property.

California Order Determining Succession To Real Property DE-315 Step 6: On line 3, enter the date of death.

California Order Determining Succession To Real Property DE-315 Step 7: Check the box on line 3a if the decedent died a resident of the California county listed above.

California Order Determining Succession To Real Property DE-315 Step 8: Check the box on line 3b if the decedent died a nonresident of California and owned property in the county listed above.

California Order Determining Succession To Real Property DE-315 Step 9: Check the first box on line 3c if the decedent died intestate or the second box if they died testate.

California Order Determining Succession To Real Property DE-315 Step 10: Check the box on line 5a if no proceeding for the administration of the decedent's estate is being conducted or has been conducted in California.

California Order Determining Succession To Real Property DE-315 Step 11: Check the box on line 5b if the decedent's personal representative has filed consent to use the procedure described in Probate Code section 13150 et seq. Complete the rest of the form as instructed.