It is here that it is determined if probate is required. If the total of all assets of the estate is below $166,250 or if there aren't any assets that require a complex transfer, the estate may not require a probate in California.
Civil Division | Superior Court of California - County of San Diego.
A parent's testamentary trust can be established with instructions that the funds would only be distributed to the beneficiaries following a specific milestone. For example, funds from the trust would not be distributed to a decedent's children until they turn 18 years of age.
If everything is in order, the court grants 'Letters Testamentary' or 'Letters of Administration,' officially appointing the executor or administrator. This person is now legally able to manage the estate and is often referred to as the personal representative of the estate.