Quote Quoting gguubb
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So if the registration (title papers) just says both our names, is that enough to show joint ownership? The association rules for this registration works the same as dmv rules, and they told me that if one person named on the papers dies, title is automatically transferred to the other. But I didn't know if California community law trumps the rules of the organization that holds the registration. We had one vehicle also titled in both our names and the dmv said it passed to me by rights of survivorship, and there was no problem changing title. I am assuming by your answer that it will be deemed community property and go thru probate because paperwork does not include the wording "right of survivorship". Thank you so much for your response.
I said nothing of the sort. The specific title wording is important. Also, depending on the argument, there could be another writing beyond the registration to get a transmutation.

852. (a) A transmutation of real or personal property is not valid
unless made in writing by an express declaration that is made, joined
in, consented to, or accepted by the spouse whose interest in the
property is adversely affected.
(b) A transmutation of real property is not effective as to third
parties without notice thereof unless recorded.
(c) This section does not apply to a gift between the spouses of
clothing, wearing apparel, jewelry, or other tangible articles of a
personal nature that is used solely or principally by the spouse to
whom the gift is made and that is not substantial in value taking
into account the circumstances of the marriage.
(d) Nothing in this section affects the law governing
characterization of property in which separate property and community
property are commingled or otherwise combined.
(e) This section does not apply to or affect a transmutation of
property made before January 1, 1985, and the law that would
otherwise be applicable to that transmutation shall continue to
apply.
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