Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Is the person still alive? Then tell them you do not feel able to perform the duties. If the person has passed away and you have been contacted to serve, you can write a short statement declining to serve and the next in line will be asked to step in and serve.

Within 30 days after a person dies, the person who has the decedent's will must file it with the superior court of the county in which the decedent lived. So, if you have the will you should do that. The simplest solution, otherwise, is simply inform next in line you do not want to serve, and provide them with a copy of the will if they do not have one already. The attorney they hire will handle the paperwork.