California § 144 - Except as provided in subdivision (b), subject to Section 142, a waiver is enforc
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 144 — Except as provided in subdivision (b), subject to Section 142, a waiver is enforc, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 144. Except as provided in subdivision (b), subject to Section 142, a waiver is enforc
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), subject to Section 142, a waiver is enforceable under this section if the court determines either of the following: (1) The waiver at the time of signing made a fair and reasonable disposition of the rights of the surviving spouse. (2) The surviving spouse had, or reasonably should have had, an adequate knowledge of the property and financial obligations of the decedent and the decedent did not violate the duty imposed by subdivision (b) of Section 721 of the Family Code. (b) If, after considering all relevant facts and circumstances, the court finds that enforcement of the waiver pursuant to subdivision (a) would be unconscionable under the circumstances existing at the time enforcement is sought, the court may refuse to enforce the waiver, enforce the remainder of the waiver without the unconscionable provisions, or limit the application of the unconscionable provisions to avoid an unconscionable result. (c) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), subdivision (b) of Section 721 of the Family Code does not apply if the waiver is enforceable under this section.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 144
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 144 cover?
Section 144 ("Except as provided in subdivision (b), subject to Section 142, a waiver is enforc") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 144?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 144" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 144 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.