Detailed answer — how to trace the buyer’s check from closing to final recipient

Use this checklist and explanation to identify the path sale proceeds take in California. Follow the numbered steps in the order listed — the facts that control distribution are usually: (1) how title was held; (2) whether a trust exists; and (3) whether the estate must go through probate.

1. 1. Identify how the property was titled — that determines the recipient outside or inside probate

   Common title situations and the effect on sale proceeds:

   • Joint tenancy or community property with right of survivorship: ownership passes automatically to the surviving co-owner(s) when your parent dies. The survivor(s) control sale and receive proceeds (subject to outstanding liens). This usually avoids probate.
   • Living trust: if the house was in a revocable living trust, the successor trustee handles the sale and distributes proceeds to beneficiaries under the trust terms.
   • Sole ownership (no trust) or tenancy in common: the house becomes part of the decedent’s probate estate unless it qualifies for a simplified small‑estate procedure. In probate, the personal representative (executor) sells the house (often with court approval) and holds proceeds in the estate bank account for payment of debts and distribution to heirs or legatees.
   • Beneficiary deed, transfer-on-death, or other nonprobate devices: proceeds go to the designated transferee outside probate.

2. 2. Check for liens and payoffs that reduce the net proceeds

   At closing, the title/escrow company will use the sale funds to pay items that have priority:

   • Mortgage and home‑equity loans (payoff amounts shown in the title/escrow closing statement).
   • Property tax liens, unpaid property taxes, and special assessments (including tax proration adjustments).
   • Mechanic’s liens, judgment liens, or IRS/state tax liens recorded against the property.
   • HOA liens or unpaid association assessments.
   • Escrow/title charges, realtor commissions, and closing costs.

   To see these, order or obtain the preliminary title report (issued before closing) and the final closing/disbursement statement (HUD‑1 or Closing Disclosure). The title report lists recorded liens; the closing statement shows actual payoffs and the net buyer’s check distribution.

3. 3. If a trustee or executor handled the sale, request documents showing the distribution

   Whoever signed the deed at closing (trustee, executor, surviving joint tenant) must account for proceeds. You can request:

   • Final closing/disbursement statement from the title or escrow company.
   • If a trust handled the sale: a copy of the trust (or at least the portions naming the trustee and beneficiaries) and the trustee’s final accounting or distribution statement.
   • If probate handled the sale: the executor’s inventory and final accounting filed with the probate court, and the court order approving distribution if applicable.

   Under California law beneficiaries and heirs are entitled to notice and generally can request an accounting from a trustee or executor. If you are a beneficiary or heir and haven’t received information, ask in writing and keep copies of your requests.

4. 4. If the estate went through probate, find the probate case file and court orders

   Probate records are public. To see exactly where proceeds were directed in a probate sale:

   1. Search the county superior court probate index where the decedent lived for a probate case (the court clerk or the court’s online case portal can help).
   2. Pull the case file or online docket entries: look for petitions to sell real property, orders authorizing sale, the disposition of proceeds, the executor’s accountings, and the final distribution order.
   3. The court record will show whether proceeds were used to pay creditors, administrative expenses, taxes, and then distributed to heirs/legatees.

   Helpful official resources on probate basics: California Courts — Self‑Help: Probate and estate administration (https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-probate.htm) and the California Probate Code (contents) at the state legislature site (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayexpandedbranch.xhtml?tocCode=PROB).

5. 5. If you suspect funds were misdirected, enforce your rights

   If the trustee or executor will not provide a reasonable accounting or if you suspect improper distributions, available remedies include:

   • Demand a written accounting and copies of the closing/disbursement statement.
   • Ask the probate court to compel a formal accounting or to surcharge a trustee/executor for breaches of duty.
   • File a petition in probate court to review or set aside improper distributions.

   Because remedies are fact-specific and time-sensitive, consult a California probate or trust attorney if the responsible fiduciary refuses to cooperate.

Key legal sources and resources

• California Probate Code — full text and table of contents: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayexpandedbranch.xhtml?tocCode=PROB
• California Courts — Self‑Help: Probate and estate administration (procedures, creditor claims, accountings): https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-probate.htm
• California Courts — Self‑Help: Trusts (how trustees administer and distribute trust property): https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-trusts.htm

Bottom line: To know exactly where the sale proceeds went, obtain (1) the preliminary title report and the final closing/disbursement statement from the escrow/title company, (2) proof of how the property passed (deed, trust document, or probate papers), and (3) any trustee or executor accountings. Those documents together will show the reductions (mortgage, liens, fees) and the final payee(s).

Helpful Hints — practical checklist and next steps

• Collect basic documents: death certificate, deed, title report, mortgage payoff(s), HOA statements, copy of any will or trust, and the closing/disbursement statement.
• Call the title or escrow company that handled the closing and ask for the final settlement statement (they must be able to show who got paid at closing).
• Search the county recorder’s office for the recorded deed transferring title after the sale — that shows who took title and can lead to the distribution path.
• If a trust sold the house, ask the successor trustee for a written accounting and a copy of the trust provisions that govern distributions.
• If probate handled the property, look up the probate case in the decedent’s county superior court; request copies of the petition to sell, court order, and final accounting.
• If you are a beneficiary or heir and the fiduciary refuses to provide information, send a written demand and keep records. If you still don’t get answers, consult a probate/trust attorney about filing a petition in court.
• Keep timeline expectations realistic: trustee distributions often resolve faster than probate, but both can take weeks to months depending on liens, creditor claims, and tax issues.
• When you receive a closing statement, review line items: payoff amounts for loans and liens, commission, prorations (taxes/HOA), escrow/title fees, and the net amount distributed and payee names.

If you want, list the documents you already have and I can outline the most likely distribution path for your specific situation and the next concrete steps to take.