Forms for Settling an Estate in California

Free forms for settling an estate in California: probate petition, small estate affidavit, creditor notice and closing forms. Prepare each form for California.

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IRS Form 56

Notify the IRS that you are the fiduciary of an estate, a trust or a person, or end a notice filed before, on the official form.

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Digital Assets Recovery Letter

Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.

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Petition for Probate and Letters

In California, the petition asks the Superior Court of California to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the courtCal. Prob. Code §§ 8005 (hearing on the petition), 8006 (court admits the will and appoints the personal representative); no registrar or clerk informal probate trackVerified Sep 8, 2026View source.

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Notice to Creditors

In California, the notice to creditors is published for 3Cal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420; CCP § 366.2Verified Oct 18, 2026View source weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code § 9100 — later of 4 months from letters or 60 days from mailed/personal notice of administrationVerified Sep 8, 2026View source from the personal representative's appointment to present claims.

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Renunciation of Executor

In California, a person named as executor may renounce the right to serveCal. Prob. Code § 8002(b)(3)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.

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Small Estate Affidavit

In California, the Small Estate AffidavitCal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates valued at $208,850Cal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 40 daysCal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.

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Estate Inventory

In California, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysCal. Prob. Code §§ 8800-8804, 8900-8903Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.

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Estate Closing

In California, the personal representative is discharged by court orderCal. Prob. Code §§ 11753, 12250Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.

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Tools for Settling an Estate in California

Free tools for settling an estate in California: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

In California, certified death certificates come from the California Department of Public Health - Vital RecordsCalifornia Department of Public Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $26California Department of Public Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.

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Do I Need Probate?

In California, estates valued at $208,850Cal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less skip probate with the Small Estate AffidavitCal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, 40 daysCal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death.

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What Happens to Jointly Owned Property When an Owner Dies?

When a joint owner dies in California, what the survivor records is the “Affidavit of deathCal. Prob. Code § 210(a)Verified Oct 26, 2026View source”.

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Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?

California requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §§ 17041, 17043; Cal. Const. art. XIII, § 36(f)(2)Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in California: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysCal. Prob. Code §§ 8800-8804, 8900-8903Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420; CCP § 366.2Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 9 months to 12 months.

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What Do I Do When Someone Dies?

After a death in California, the estate either qualifies for the simplified procedure for estates under $208,850Cal. Prob. Code § 13100Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or goes through probate, where creditors have 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code § 9100 — later of 4 months from letters or 60 days from mailed/personal notice of administrationVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to file claims after notice.

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How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?

California levies no estate or inheritance taxNo state estate, inheritance, or gift tax; prohibited by Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code § 13301 (voter Prop 6, 1982). California Estate Tax Return no longer required for decedents dying on/after Jan. 1, 2005 (CA State Controller's Office).Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; only the federal estate tax applies above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.

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What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?

California imposes no inheritance or estate taxNo state estate, inheritance, or gift tax; prohibited by Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code § 13301 (voter Prop 6, 1982). California Estate Tax Return no longer required for decedents dying on/after Jan. 1, 2005 (CA State Controller's Office).Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 9 months to 12 months for a simple estate.

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California Estate Settlement Resources

In-depth guides covering California probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.