California Code, Probate Code - PROB § 7664

A person to whom property is distributed under this article is personally liable for the unsecured debts of the decedent.  Such a debt may be enforced against the person in the same manner as it could have been enforced against the decedent if the decedent had not died.  In an action based on the debt, the person may assert any defenses available to the decedent if the decedent had not died.  The aggregate personal liability of a person under this section shall not exceed the fair market value of the property distributed to the person, valued as of the date of the distribution, less the amount of any liens and encumbrances on the property on that date.  Section 366.2 of the Code of Civil Procedure applies in an action under this section.