Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

If you were not legally married, she is not your wife.

There may be a common law spouse issue depending on how long you were together but if that does not apply, and there are no children, what are your concerns specifically? Your question does not give enough detail.

According to your post, you and your partner are not married. California does not recognize common law marriage. So, I am unsure as to what process you are referring to. If the two of you have an agreement concerning property rights or support, you would have rights set forth in that agreement. If you and your partner own property together, you have rights as any joint owner would. If there are children involved, you can petition the family law court for orders concerning custody, visitation and support. More information is needed to fully respond to your question.