If you are a Surviving Spouse, there are shortened procedures to transfer community or separate property. In California, all assets owned jointly by legally married couple can be transferred to the surviving spouse.

A spousal property petition confirms the surviving spouse's right to a share of all separate property as well as receiving all community property obtained during the marriage. Adult children of the decedent have a legal right to 2/3rds of the decedent's seperate property, surviving spouse receives only 1/3 share.