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HomeProbate CodeDiv. 2Pt. 8Ch. 2§ 277 Disclaimer Authority For Minors And Decedents

§ 277 Disclaimer Authority For Minors And Decedents

Probate Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 277 Disclaimer Authority For Minors And Decedents

This law lets a guardian for a child or the person handling a dead person's affairs ask a court to let them give up (disclaim) an inheritance, and the court can order it if it thinks the child or dead person would have given it up themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • •A disclaimer for a minor must be made by the child’s guardian (or guardian ad litem) and only works if a court order is issued.
  • •A disclaimer for a dead person must be made by the personal representative and also needs a court order.
  • •The petition must be filed in the superior court where the estate is being handled and must list who created the interest, describe it, state how much is being given up, and name who would get it.
  • •Notice of the hearing must be given to the people required by the law, following the specific notice rules for minors or decedents.
  • •The court can order the disclaimer if it decides a reasonable person in the minor’s or decedent’s place would have given up the interest.

Example

A 12‑year‑old inherits a small farm, but the child’s guardian thinks the farm is too costly to keep. The guardian asks the court for permission to give up the farm so it can go to the child’s aunt instead.

The guardian files a petition in the local superior court, tells the court who left the farm, what the farm is, how much of it is being given up, and that the aunt would get it. After hearing everyone, the judge can order the guardian to file the disclaimer, letting the aunt take the farm.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 277 Disclaimer Authority For Minors And Decedents

(a) A disclaimer on behalf of a minor shall be made by the guardian of the estate of the minor if one has been appointed or, if none has been appointed, by a guardian ad litem of the minor. A disclaimer by a guardian is not effective unless made pursuant to a court order obtained under this section. (b) A disclaimer on behalf of a decedent shall be made by the personal representative of the decedent. Except as provided in Part 6 (commencing with Section 10400) of Division 7, a disclaimer by a guardian or personal representative is not effective unless made pursuant to a court order obtained under this section. (c) A petition for an order authorizing or requiring a guardian or personal representative to execute and file a disclaimer shall be filed in the superior court in the county in which the estate of the minor or decedent is administered or, if there is no administration, the superior court in any county in which administration would be proper. The petition may be filed by the guardian, personal representative, or other interested person. (d) The petition shall: (1) Identify the creator of the interest. (2) Describe the interest to be disclaimed. (3) State the extent of the disclaimer. (4) Identify the person or persons the petitioner believes would take the interest in the event of the disclaimer. (e) Notice of the hearing on the petition shall be given as follows: (1) If the petition is for an order authorizing or requiring the guardian of the estate of a minor to execute and file the disclaimer, notice of the hearing on the petition shall be given for the period and in the manner provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1460) of Part 1 of Division 4 to all of the persons required to be given notice under that chapter. (2) If the petition is for an order authorizing or requiring the personal representative of a decedent to execute and file the disclaimer, notice of the hearing on the petition shall be given as provided in Section 1220. (3) If the petition is for an order authorizing or requiring a guardian ad litem of a minor to execute and file the disclaimer, notice of the hearing on the petition shall be given to the persons and in the manner that the court shall by order direct. (f) After hearing, the court in its discretion may make an order authorizing or requiring the guardian or personal representative to execute and file the disclaimer if the court determines, taking into consideration all of the relevant circumstances, that the minor or decedent as a prudent person would disclaim the interest if he or she had the capacity to do so. (Enacted by Stats. 1990, Ch. 79.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

disclaimerguardian of the estateguardian ad litempersonal representativecourt orderpetition

Related Statutes

  • § 231 Death Priority Petition Filing
  • § 276 Conservator Disclaimer Court Order
  • § 230 Survival Determination Petition
  • § 232 Petition Filing Jurisdiction
  • § 233 Death Priority Hearing Notice

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Probate Code. Section 277.
View Official Source