California’s Probate Code sets out the scenarios in which the State can take the deceased person’s estate.

• According to Section 6800 of the California Probate Code, the state can keep all or part of a deceased person’s estate when there are no testamentary beneficiaries or heirs legally entitled to receive those assets...
• The California Probate Code contemplates different types of assets that may become state property when the legal conditions established in sections 6800 to 6806 are met
• Section 6800 of the Probate Code establishes that the assets covered by this mechanism pass to the State from the moment of death, although they remain subject to the corresponding legal obligations and conditions
• Section 11903 establishes that assets distributed to the State must remain under the custody of the State Treasurer for five years, counted from the date of the court order of distribution