INSTRUCTIONS: CALIFORNIA SPOUSAL OR DOMESTIC PARTNER PROPERTY PETITION (Form DE-221)

The form discussed in this article is filed by a California spouse or registered domestic partner in a probate case involving the estate of a decedent. This document can be obtained from the website maintained by the California Judicial Branch.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 1: In the first blank box, enter the name of your attorney, as well as their state bar number, address and telephone number. If not represented by a lawyer, enter your name, address and telephone number. In either case, providing a fax number or email address is optional.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 2: In the second blank box, enter the county in which the court is located, as well as its street and mailing addresses, city, zip code and branch name.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 3: In the third blank box, enter the name of the decedent.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 4: In the last four blank boxes, enter the case number, hearing date, department and time.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 5: Check the first box if this is a spousal petition.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 6: Check the second box if this is a domestic partner petition.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 7: Enter the name of the petitioner on line 1.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 8: Check the box on line 1a if you are requesting determination of property passing to the surviving spouse or surviving registered domestic partner without administration.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 9: Check the box on line 1b if you are requesting confirmation of property belonging to the surviving spouse or surviving registered domestic partner .

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 10: Check the box on line 1c if you are requesting immediate appointment of a probate referee.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 11: Check the appropriate box on lines 2a through 2f to indicate your status as a petitioner.

California Spousal Or Domestic Partner Property Petition DE-221 Step 12: Complete the rest of the form as instructed.