2007 California Code of Civil Procedure Article 1. Definitions

CA Codes (ccp:377.10-377.11)

377.10.  For the purposes of this chapter, "beneficiary of the
decedent's estate" means:
   (a) If the decedent died leaving a will, the sole beneficiary or
all of the beneficiaries who succeed to a cause of action, or to a
particular item of property that is the subject of a cause of action,
under the decedent's will.
   (b) If the decedent died without leaving a will, the sole person
or all of the persons who succeed to a cause of action, or to a
particular item of property that is the subject of a cause of action,
under Sections 6401 and 6402 of the Probate Code or, if the law of a
sister state or foreign nation governs succession to the cause of
action or particular item of property, under the law of the sister
state or foreign nation.



377.11.  For the purposes of this chapter, "decedent's successor in
interest" means the beneficiary of the decedent's estate or other
successor in interest who succeeds to a cause of action or to a
particular item of the property that is the subject of a cause of
action.