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HomeProbate CodeDiv. 2Pt. 20§ 877 Digital Assets Disclosure Requirements

§ 877 Digital Assets Disclosure Requirements

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

§ 877 Digital Assets Disclosure Requirements

This law says that if someone dies, the company that holds their online accounts must give the executor a list of the person's sent and received messages and a list of their digital stuff (but not the actual message contents), as long as the executor provides the required paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • •The personal representative must send a written request (paper or electronic).
  • •They must include a certified death certificate and proof they are the legal representative (letter of appointment, small‑estate affidavit, or court order).
  • •The custodian can ask for extra proof, like the account number or an affidavit saying the info is needed for the estate.

Example

Jane is the executor of her mother’s estate and asks the email provider for a catalog of all emails her mother sent and received and a list of her online photos and files.

Because Jane gives the provider a written request, a certified copy of the death certificate, and proof that she is the legal representative, the provider must hand over the catalog of emails and the list of digital assets.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 877 Digital Assets Disclosure Requirements

Unless the user prohibited disclosure of digital assets or the court directs otherwise, a custodian shall disclose to the personal representative of the estate of a deceased user a catalogue of electronic communications sent or received by the user and digital assets, other than the content of electronic communications, of the user, if the personal representative gives to the custodian all of the following: (a) A written request for disclosure in physical or electronic form. (b) A certified copy of the death certificate of the user. (c) A certified copy of the letter of appointment of the representative, a small-estate affidavit under Section 13101, or court order. (d) If requested by the custodian, any of the following: (1) A number, username, address, or other unique subscriber or account identifier assigned by the custodian to identify the user’s account. (2) Evidence linking the account to the user. (3) An affidavit stating that disclosure of the user’s digital assets is reasonably necessary for estate administration. (4) An order of the court finding either of the following: (A) That the user had a specific account with the custodian, identifiable by the information specified in paragraph (1). (B) That disclosure of the user’s digital assets is reasonably necessary for estate administration. (Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 551, Sec. 1. (AB 691) Effective January 1, 2017.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

custodiandigital assetspersonal representativeelectronic communications

Related Statutes

  • § 876 Deceased User Digital Content Access
  • § 879 Trustee Digital Asset Disclosure
  • § 879.2 Agent Digital Asset Disclosure
  • § 879.3 Conservator Digital Asset Access
  • § 39 Definition Of Fiduciary

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Probate Code. Section 877.
View Official Source