Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Talk to an attorney and give that attorney the specifics, such as whether there was a will or a trust, and how title to the property was held.

First question is, "how did you inherit?" There are probably four ways: by will, by trust, by joint ownership, and by intestate succession (no will, trust or joint tenancy).

If you inherited the property by will or intestate succession, there must be a probate process, involving the court and probably an executor, administrator, or personal representative.

If there were a trust, the property is handled by the trustee named in the trust.

Inheriting money, stocks and bonds, real property, etc. is a serious business and in order to get the contents of bank accounts, cars, houses, etc., you need to understand and follow a rather complex set of rules regarding administration of estates. For smaller estates, there are simplified procedures, but it is never a situation of russhing in and grabbing stuff.