Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Unfortunately, you will need to go through Probate to transfer title into your name. If the $200,000 condo is the only asset subject to Probate then the statutory fee for an attorney will be $7,000. You can pay those fees from funds outside of the Estate, assuming you have sufficient funds to do so. There will also be costs of approximately $1,500.

Filing Probate will create a 4 month claims period for creditors to file claims and any such claims will need to be dealt with. People do Probate Estates without an attorney, but there are many forms, rules and deadlines and my clients certainly feel the peace of mind is well worth the cost involved.

I agree with Mr. Feldman that it is best to hire an attorney, but if you cannot afford one Nolo Press is a good resource for do it yourselfers. And, all the necessary forms should be available on the website of the court of your county. If you are low income, google and see if you can find a free or fee-adjusted legal clinic in your area. There's no way to get around the filings fees and other expenses, though- Mr. Feldman gave a good estimate.