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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 2Pt. 3Ch. 10Art. 1§ 27461 Coroner'S Estate Disposition Authority

§ 27461 Coroner'S Estate Disposition Authority

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

§ 27461 Coroner'S Estate Disposition Authority

Key Takeaways

  • •If someone dies with very little money (less than $75), the coroner can ask a judge for permission to sell their stuff or take money from their bank to pay for the funeral.
  • •The judge will say yes if the total money and stuff the person owned is less than $75.
  • •No one has to be told about this request, and no fees are charged for asking.
  • •The money from selling stuff or taking from the bank must be used only for the funeral.

Example

A person dies and has no family. They owned an old bike worth $50 and had $20 in the bank.

The coroner can ask a judge to sell the bike and take the $20 to pay for the funeral because the total ($70) is less than $75.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 27461 Coroner'S Estate Disposition Authority

In order to inter decently the body of the deceased, the coroner may apply to a judge of the superior court of his county for an order permitting him to: (a) sell summarily any personal property belonging to the deceased, (b) withdraw any money that the deceased has on deposit with any bank, and (c) collect any indebtedness or claim that is owing or due the deceased. If upon the application it appears to the court by competent evidence that the total value of the estate of the deceased is less than seventy-five dollars ($75), the judge shall make an order granting the application, and there shall be no administration upon the estate of the deceased unless additional estate is found or discovered. No notice of the application need be given and no fee shall be charged by the clerk of the court or coroner for the filing of the application or for any duty or service connected therewith. Upon the sale of the personal property of the deceased or the collection of any money, claim, or indebtedness by the coroner, he shall use the money for expenses of the funeral of the deceased. (Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

applicationdutypropertyclaimevidenceadministrationcollection

Related Statutes

  • § 27466 Coroner'S Unclaimed Property Transfer
  • § 27467 Coroner'S Unclaimed Property Recovery
  • § 27468 Coroner Property Sale Rules
  • § 53202.25 Benefit Records Confidentiality Rules
  • § 26003 Board Conflict Transfer Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 27461.
View Official Source