Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

In order to be appointed executor of an estate, you must file a Petition for Probate with the proper court (as well as various other documents) and both publish and serve (mail) a Notice of Petition to Administer Estate to all persons named in the Will, beneficiaries, heirs at law of the decedent. If you don't have an attorney you should get one. If you want to try to administer the estate yourself, I recommend Nolo Press publications for all the necessary forms and instructions. Google them.