father declared legally dead

According to my mother, the court (CA) declared my father legally dead around 1949. She refused to discuss it further, and left no papers when she died referring to it. How would I go about finding the information, dates, etc.?

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

Well, it's a long shot, but first you'll need to find out the name of the case. Next, you'll need to find out which California court made the declaration. Next, you'll need to find out if that court keeps records from that far back. If they do, they will undoubtedly be on micro-fiche.

But, I have to tell you . . . unless your mother has some sort of records someplace, that you can refer to, it'll be like looking for the proverbial "needle in a haystack".

I wish you good fortune.

IAAL

Thank you. I think I have enough info to get started, at least following that plan.