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Named as Executor
What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.
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Death of a Parent
A step-by-step guide to what happens after a parent dies: the documents to find, the certificates to order, and whether probate is even required.
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Loss of a Spouse
What a surviving spouse needs to do: death certificates, survivor benefits, whether probate is even required, and the tax election that expires.
Learn moreForms 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IRS Form 1310
Claim a refund due a deceased taxpayer on the official form, on the box the form routes you to, with what the form says to attach.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.
Affidavit of Death
In California, a surviving joint owner or a transfer on death deed beneficiary records the “Affidavit of deathCal. Prob. Code § 210(a)Verified Oct 26, 2026View source”.
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 Much Can an Executor Charge?
California sets executor compensation by statute — about $13,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 2.6%Cal. Prob. Code § 10800Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Can I Self-File Probate?
In California, informal probate is not availableCal. 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, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing.
How Do I Get Letters Testamentary?
In California, the Superior Court clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration once the Superior Court of California appoints the personal representative; 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.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In California, 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; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, California pays the claims in 7Cal. Prob. Code § 11420Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with administration expenses.
How Do I Claim a Deceased Person's Unclaimed Property?
In California, a deceased owner's unclaimed property is claimed from the California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property DivisionCal. Code Civ. Proc. 1500 et seq. (Unclaimed Property Law)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. An heir, a trustee, or the personal representative, executor, or administrator of the estate may file for a deceased ownerCalifornia State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property SearchVerified Aug 24, 2026View source.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
Hire a California Probate Attorney
Browse 222 probate firms in California with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
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California Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering California probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.