2019 California Code
Probate Code - PROB
DIVISION 2 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
PART 3 - CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS RELATING TO RIGHTS AT DEATH
CHAPTER 1 - Surviving Spouse s Waiver of Rights
Section 144.
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), subject to Section 142, a waiver is enforceable under this section if the court determines either of the following:
(1) The waiver at the time of signing made a fair and reasonable disposition of the rights of the surviving spouse.
(2) The surviving spouse had, or reasonably should have had, an adequate knowledge of the property and financial obligations of the decedent and the decedent did not violate the duty imposed by subdivision (b) of Section 721 of the Family Code.
(b) If, after considering all relevant facts and circumstances, the court finds that enforcement of the waiver pursuant to subdivision (a) would be unconscionable under the circumstances existing at the time enforcement is sought, the court may refuse to enforce the waiver, enforce the remainder of the waiver without the unconscionable provisions, or limit the application of the unconscionable provisions to avoid an unconscionable result.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), subdivision (b) of Section 721 of the Family Code does not apply if the waiver is enforceable under this section.
(Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 163, Sec. 121. Effective January 1, 1993. Operative January 1, 1994, by Sec. 161 of Ch. 163.)
