Probate Code section 13156

(a)

Subject to subdivisions (b), (c), and (d), the petitioner who receives the decedent’s property pursuant to an order under this chapter is personally liable for the unsecured debts of the decedent.

(b)

The personal liability of any petitioner shall not exceed the fair market value at the date of the decedent’s death of the property received by that petitioner pursuant to an order under this chapter, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the property.

(c)

In any action or proceeding based upon an unsecured debt of the decedent, the petitioner may assert any defense, cross-complaint, or setoff which would have been available to the decedent if the decedent had not died.

(d)

Nothing in this section permits enforcement of a claim that is barred under Part 4 (commencing with Section 9000) of Division 7.

(e)

Section 366.2 of the Code of Civil Procedure applies in an action under this section.

Source: Section 13156, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PROB§ionNum=13156.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1993; accessed Dec. 15, 2025).

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Verified:
Dec. 15, 2025

§ 13156's source at ca​.gov