Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

It depends on how it is held, and what other debts there may be. If you are joint tenants, her interest in the property goes to you.

If you are joint tenants, you will just have to file an Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant with the county recorder's office, along with a change of ownership report and Claim for Exemption from Reassessment for Parent-Child Transfer.

If you are tenants in common, however, off to probate you go. Obviously the language change betweeen "Joint Tenants" and "Tenants in Common" is small, but it makes a huge difference. Get this checked by counsel to make sure now while you are both alive.