This part is not intended as a complete codification of the law governing enforcement of a no contest clause. The common law governs enforcement of a no contest clause to the extent this part does not apply.

(Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 174, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2009. Operative January 1, 2010, by Sec. 3 of Ch. 174.)

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Terms Used In California Probate Code 21313

  • Common law: The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.
  • Contest: means a pleading filed with the court by a beneficiary that would result in a penalty under a no contest clause, if the no contest clause is enforced. See California Probate Code 21310
  • No contest clause: means a provision in an otherwise valid instrument that, if enforced, would penalize a beneficiary for filing a pleading in any court. See California Probate Code 21310