Fill out and file form DE-221 explaining why the property belongs or should legally pass to the surviving spouse and describing the property. Once completed, note the SST number and come into our office to finish the process.Santa Clara County Affidavit of Surviving Spouse Form. Fill in the blank form formatted to comply with all recording and content requirements. Gather documents you need. State of California. Upon a City of San José member's death, certain benefits may be payable to a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or designated beneficiaries. How do I elect portability of the Deceased Spousal Unused Exclusion (DSUE) amount to benefit the surviving spouse? A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is. California Jurisprudence explains that "when one joint tenant dies, the entire estate belongs automatically to the surviving joint tenant.