Government Code section 22970.78

In the event the participant dies without a valid beneficiary designation on file, any balance remaining in the participant’s account shall be payable to the participant’s survivors in the following order:

(a)

The participant’s spouse.

(b)

The participant’s natural or adopted children.

(c)

The participant’s parents.

(d)

The participant’s estate.

Source: Section 22970.78, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=22970.­78.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2000; accessed Nov. 17, 2025).

Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Nov. 17, 2025

§ 22970.78's source at ca​.gov