How to Handle California Probate Without a Lawyer
Can you administer a California probate without an attorney? Yes — for straightforward estates. Here's exactly when it's feasible, what it takes, and where you need professional help.
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All articles about California Probate Process Guide.
Best California Probate Guide for First-Time Executors (2026)
Named executor of a California estate? Here's what you actually need — and how to choose a guide that covers Probate Examiner Notes, the $750K AB 2016 threshold, and Prop 19.
Notice of Petition to Administer Estate: California's Publication Requirement
California requires publishing the Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (DE-121) before any probate hearing. Here's the exact process and what it costs.
Independent Administration of Estates Act: How to Sell Assets in California Probate Without Going Back to Court
California's IAEA lets executors sell real estate and manage assets without court hearings—if you get the right authority upfront. Here's how it works.
California Formal Probate vs. Simplified Transfer Procedures: Which Path Applies to Your Estate?
Most California estates don't need formal probate. Compare formal probate against the four simplified alternatives — small estate affidavit, DE-310, spousal petition, and Heggstad.
Petition for Final Distribution in California Probate: What It Is and How to File It
The Petition for Final Distribution is the last major court filing in California probate. Here's what it contains, the $435 fee, and how to close the estate.
California Probate Fees on Gross Value: How Much Will the Estate Actually Pay?
California calculates probate fees on gross estate value, not equity. See the exact statutory fee schedule, worked examples, and how families can reduce exposure.
Letters of Administration in California: How to Get Them and When You Need Them
Letters of Administration let you manage a California estate without a will. Here's the petition process, priority rules, and what banks actually need.
How to Clear California Probate Examiner Notes Before Your Hearing
California Probate Examiner Notes can delay your hearing by 60–90 days if you miss the deadline to respond. Here's how to read them, respond correctly, and file a Verified Supplement.
California Probate Threshold 2025: The New Limits That Could Keep You Out of Court
California raised its probate thresholds on April 1, 2025. The $208,850 personal property limit and $750,000 primary residence limit explained.
California Probate Process: How to File and What to Expect
Step-by-step guide to the California probate process—how to file Form DE-111, what happens at each phase, and realistic timelines for 2026.
California Probate Forms: The Complete DE-Series Reference
Every California probate form you need—DE-111 through DE-315—what each does, when to file it, and where to get the current version.
California Intestate Succession: Who Inherits When There's No Will
California intestate succession laws explained—who inherits, in what order, and what community property rules mean for your family.
California Heggstad Petition: How to Fix an Unfunded Trust Without Full Probate
A Heggstad petition can pull assets into a California trust in 60–90 days instead of 18-month probate. Here's how it works and when to use it.