§ 1205 Pre-Code Instrument Validity

Civil Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that documents signed or recorded before this code took effect are still valid based on the rules that were in place at that time.

Key Takeaways

•Old documents keep their legal effect under the rules that existed when they were made.
•New rules do not change the validity of past actions.
•Validity depends on the laws that were in force at the time of the act.

Example

A person made a will in 1990 and filed it with the county.

Because the will was signed before the new code, it stays valid under the rules that were in effect when it was created.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 1205 Pre-Code Instrument Validity

The legality of the execution, acknowledgment, proof, form, or record of any conveyance or other instrument made before this Code goes into effect, executed, acknowledged, proved, or recorded is not affected by anything contained in this Chapter, but depends for its validity and legality upon the laws in force when the act was performed. (Enacted 1872.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

legality conveyance instrument laws in force

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 1205.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References