Yes. California publishes Petition for Probate (DE-111)Cal. Prob. Code §§ 8000-8577 (appointment & letters); §§ 8002, 10450 (petition contents)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source, filed with the Superior Court of CaliforniaCal. Prob. Code §§ 8000-8577 (appointment & letters); §§ 8002, 10450 (petition contents)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. E-filing is open to self-represented filersCal. Prob. Code §§ 8000-8577 (appointment & letters); §§ 8002, 10450 (petition contents)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
The creditor claim period of 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420; CCP § 366.2Verified Sep 15, 2026View source runs from the personal representative's appointment. Every claim is barred 12 monthsCal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420; CCP § 366.2Verified Sep 15, 2026View source after the date of death, whether or not notice was given.
Within 120 daysCal. Prob. Code §§ 8800-8804, 8900-8903Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of the personal representative's appointment.
The personal representative closes the estate by filing a final account and petition for an order for final distribution once the estate is in a condition to be closed (Cal. Prob. Code §§ 10951, 11640); after a noticed hearing the court enters an order settling the final account and directing final distribution (§ 11641), and the PR is discharged only by a later court order (§ 12250)Cal. Prob. Code §§ 10900, 10951, 10954, 11420, 11640, 11641, 11750, 11751, 11753, 12250, 12251Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
California law recognizes that a person named as executor may renounce the appointment but prescribes no particular document. A signed written renunciation filed with the court states the refusal on the record.