§ 984 Spousal Privilege Exceptions

Evidence Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•If you're married and one of you sues the other, you can't refuse to share info just because you're married.
•If one spouse dies and the other fights with someone over money or stuff from the dead spouse, the living spouse can't hide info because they were married.
•This rule applies whether the dead spouse left a will or not, or if they gave stuff away while alive.

Example

A husband and wife are getting divorced, and the wife sues the husband for money he hid from her.

The husband can't say 'I don't have to tell you because we're married.' He has to share the info because this law says so when spouses sue each other.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 984 Spousal Privilege Exceptions

There is no privilege under this article in: (a) A proceeding brought by or on behalf of one spouse against the other spouse. (b) A proceeding between a surviving spouse and a person who claims through the deceased spouse, regardless of whether such claim is by testate or intestate succession or by inter vivos transaction. (Enacted by Stats. 1965, Ch. 299.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

privilege spouse proceeding testate intestate inter vivos transaction

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Evidence Code. Section 984.

Key Takeaways

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Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References