Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Your first step is to ascertain whether all the non-trust assets (not including joint tenancy or accounts with valid beneficiary designations) add up to more than $150,000. If not, probate may not be necessary; the accounts can be accessed with a small estate declaration under Probate Code Section 13100. If so, a Petition for Probate, with Letters, Notice, proposed Order, etal, must be filed. This is a fairly complicated procedure, and I recommend that you retain an attorney. If you are hell-bent on doing it yourself, get a Nolo Press book/software to assist you with the process. (Hint, yes, there is a lot of waiting.)

If you are required to do a full probate, it may take you 9 months to a year to complete the full process. You should look for alternatives, such as the small estates affidavit or a Heggstadt petition. You should seek counsel with expertise in this area to assist you as to the most effective procedures under your circumstances. Look carefully at how all other assets are titled. Especially real estate, investment accounts adn business interests.