Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

If she had a will, the executor or whoever had custody of the Will should have lodged the original in the court for safekeeping, whether or not the estate needed to be probated.

I concur with the answer of Attorney Cusack previously provided to you. However, I would add that you need to contact her friends and relatives who live close to where she resided and inquire whether probate has been opened or who has taken charge of her estate. Then you can write or call the person who has taken charge and ask to see a copy of the will. If there is no will or trust, your status as a beneficiary will be determined by whether she is survived by a spouse, children, parents or other relatives closer in legal relationship.

Try calling the SC County Clerk @ 408-882-2100 to see if her will has been lodged with the Court or if a probate proceeding has been started.