Neither of us is in California, so obviously we are the best source for being impartial.  Let's make this a hypothetical:  There is a house worth $500K, and $1.5 million in cash.  One kid gets the house, the others split the cash.  Maybe the house is not worth exactly 25% of the distributable estate, but close enough considering who knows how soon it would sell and for what price.  

Is this considered a sale by B,C and D of their 25% interest each in the house, to A?  And meanwhile, there was $100K in dividends and capital gains before the cash was distributed.  Do you split this three ways on the Schedules K-1, or four ways?  

That's a good question.  Probably doesn't depend on local law.  But I think I'll pass.  You'd have to pay me to figure that one out.