Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

His assets would pay his creditors. Since his retirement account had no beneficiary, the payout would be used to satisfy his debts. If it's more than 45 days since your father's passing, you can send a notarized form to anyone that holds his property (money or personal property) that attaches his death certificate demanding payment to you (or siblings), who are administering his estate. There's language specific to this demand in California Probate Code section 13101. You can find the form at http://www.sco.ca.gov/Files-UPD/ucp_forms_declaration.pdf.