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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.

Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.

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If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.

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Open a case You (the person who starts the case) are called the “petitioner." You must file forms with the court to “open probate.” You file a Petition for Probate (form DE-111) along with other court forms. File the case in the county where the person who died (the decedent) lived.
Yes, you can probate a will in California without a lawyer. This approach, often called “pro se” probate, is permitted by California law. If the estate is straightforward—such as having a single beneficiary or only a few, easily identifiable assets—handling probate yourself might be a feasible option.
Can I Do Probate on My Own, Without an Attorney? It's entirely possible to complete all the steps of probate on your own, without an attorney representing you.
In California, there's no strict deadline for filing probate after death, but it's advisable to begin the process as soon as possible. Delays in filing can lead to complications, such as the estate's assets becoming unmanageable or creditors taking legal action to collect debts.
The probate process begins with filing a petition for probate with the Los Angeles Probate Court. This petition is typically filed by the executor named in the will or, if there's no will, by a family member who wishes to be appointed as the estate's administrator.
Step 1 Petition for Probate (Form DE-111, Judicial Council), and all attachments, Original Will (if there is one) Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (Form DE-121, Judicial Council) Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (Form DE-147, Judicial Council) Order for Probate (Form DE-140, Judicial Council)
A Small Estate Affidavit is not filed with the Court. It is given to the person, company, or financial institution that has the Decedent's property. ➢ If the Decedent died before April 1, 2022, use Affidavit 1. ➢ If the Decedent died on or after April 1, 2022, use Affidavit 2.