A certificate of survivorship is used to establish the descent of property after someone has died. Laws regarding certificates of survivorship vary by jurisdiction. The following is an example of a state statute governing certificates of survivorship:
"Certificate after hearing without notice. The court may hear the petition without notice, and after hearing the evidence, if the court is satisfied who the heirs of the decedent are and what their respective rights and interests in the property are, the court shall certify the same and in its certificate shall name the persons entitled to interests therein and the property to which each is entitled. The certificate is prima facie evidence of the facts recited."
