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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.

We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
In California, smaller estates can avoid going through probate. Currently, a deceased person's estate is only required to go through probate if the estate property is worth over $166,250. If the total value of estate assets is $166,250 or less, the estate may qualify for a non-formal probate case.
Time Limits for Filing 120-day deadline: A petition for probate must typically be filed within 120 days of the decedent's passing. This step formally begins the probate process, allowing the court to appoint an executor or administrator to handle the estate.
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.
You must file a claim with the State Controller's Office. If your claim is eligible, you will be given the option to file electronically after you have entered the requested information for your claim. For more information see About Electronic Claim Filing.
Overview of a probate case 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. Administer the estate. Close the estate.
California is one of the 38 states that does not have an estate tax. However there are other taxes that may apply to your wealth and property after you die.
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)
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.
Real or personal property that the person who died owned with someone else (joint tenancy) Property (community, quasi-community, or separate) that passed directly to the surviving spouse or domestic partner. Life insurance, death benefits or other assets not subject to probate that pass directly to the beneficiaries.
If you cannot find the executor, then send it to a person named in the will as a beneficiary. To start a probate case (called opening probate), you go to court and ask a judge to appoint a personal representative. The personal representative is the person responsible for representing the estate in the probate process.