INSTRUCTIONS: CALIFORNIA SPOUSAL OR DOMESTIC PARTNER PROPERTY ORDER (Form DE-226)

The form discussed in this article is issued by a California court ruling on spousal or domestic partner property inheritance in a probate case. This document can be obtained from the website maintained by the California Judicial Branch.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 1: In the first blank box, enter the name of your lawyer, as well as their state bar number, address and telephone number. If you are not represented by an attorney, enter your name, address and telephone number. In either instance, providing an email address or fax number is optional.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 2: In the second blank box, enter the county in which the court is located, as well as the street and mailing address, city, zip code and branch name.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 3: In the third blank box, enter the name of the decedent.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 4: In the fourth blank box, enter the case number.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 5: Indicate with a check mark whether this is a spousal or domestic partner property order.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 6: The rest of the form will be completed by the court. On line 1, enter the date of the hearing, as well as the time, department and room.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 7: Enter the date of death on line 3.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 8: Check the box on line 3a if the decedent was a resident of the county entered above.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 9: Check the box on line 3b if the decedent was a nonresident of California who left an estate in the county entered above.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 10: On 3c, indicate with a check mark whether the decedent died testate or intestate.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 11: On line 4, enter the name of the surviving spouse or surviving registered domestic partner. Indicate which with a check mark.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Order DE-226 Step 12: Complete the rest of the form as instructed.