Begin with the property and the documents
Locate any will or trust and identify the property involved. Ownership, beneficiary arrangements, and the nature and value of the assets can affect the transfer process. Having a will does not necessarily eliminate the need for probate. The California Courts provide a starting guide to the different paths. California Courts: property after a death
Understand the personal representative’s role
In a formal probate, the court appoints a personal representative to handle the estate. The person may be an executor or an administrator, depending on the circumstances. A person named in a will should not assume that the document alone completes every step needed to act for the estate. California Courts: estate representatives
See the broad stages
Formal probate generally involves opening the case and giving required notices, appointment of the representative, gathering and valuing estate assets, addressing creditor claims and other obligations, and seeking authority for final distribution. The details and order of required actions depend on the case. These stages are an orientation, not a complete filing checklist. California Courts: formal probate overview
Make an inventory before making assumptions
Create a working list of known property and debts. Note where records are held and what is still missing. An initial estimate used to understand the situation is different from a formal court inventory or appraisal. California Courts explain the information useful when estimating an estate’s property. California Courts: inventory and estimated value
Ask a focused next question
Useful questions include who has authority to act, which assets require a court process, what notices or dates need attention, and which records are needed next. If people disagree about authority, distributions, or the estate documents, raise that issue early in a legal consultation. Do not assume that a general guide resolves a disputed matter.
This article is general information, not advice for your situation. It does not cover every exception, procedure, remedy, or deadline.
Official resource: California Courts: probate overview
Related practice area: Estate Planning and Probate