What to Do When Someone Dies in California: The First 30 Days Checklist (2026)

The hours and days after losing a loved one are among the most difficult you will ever experience. You are grieving, and yet there are urgent practical and legal steps that must be taken. The sheer number of things to handle can feel paralyzing.

As a Glendale probate and estate planning attorney who has helped hundreds of California families navigate this process over the past 25 years, I want to give you a clear, step-by-step roadmap. You do not have to figure this out alone, and you do not have to do everything at once.

This guide breaks the first 30 days into manageable phases. Some tasks must happen immediately. Others can wait a week or two. Knowing the difference will help you take care of what matters most while giving yourself the grace to grieve.

The First 24 Hours

The first day is about handling immediate, practical needs. Do not worry about finances, legal matters, or estate administration right now. Focus on these essentials.

1. Have the Death Officially Pronounced

In California, a death must be legally pronounced by an authorized person before the body can be released to a funeral home.

If the person was under hospice care:

• Call the hospice nurse. They are available 24/7 and will come to the location to officially pronounce death.
• The hospice team will handle the initial paperwork and coordinate with the funeral home.
• You typically do not need to call 911 if the death was expected under hospice.

If the death was unexpected or occurred without hospice:

• Call 911 immediately. Paramedics will respond and determine whether resuscitation should be attempted.
• If the person has a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, have it available to show the paramedics.
• The coroner may become involved if the death was sudden, unexpected, or unattended. This is standard procedure—it does not mean anything suspicious is assumed.

If the person died in a hospital or care facility:

• The attending physician or on-duty doctor will pronounce death.
• The facility staff will guide you through their procedures for releasing the body.

2. Contact a Funeral Home or Mortuary

Once death has been pronounced, the body needs to be transported to a funeral home or mortuary. If the family has not pre-selected a funeral home, you will need to choose one.

• Ask friends, family, or your faith community for recommendations.
• The funeral home will transport the body, which can happen any time of day or night.
• You do not need to make all funeral decisions immediately—the funeral home will store the body until arrangements are finalized.
• If the person pre-planned their funeral, check for documentation in their home files or with their estate planning attorney.

3. Notify Immediate Family and Close Friends

Contact the closest family members and friends. You do not need to notify everyone personally. Ask one or two trusted people to help spread the word through the family network.

Who to notify first:

• Spouse or partner
• Children (adult and minor)
• Parents and siblings
• The person's closest friends
• Their religious leader or faith community, if applicable

4. Secure the Residence and Personal Property

This step is critically important and often overlooked during the first 24 hours.

• Lock the residence. If others had keys, consider changing the locks, especially if there is any possibility of family conflict.
• Secure valuables — jewelry, cash, collectibles, firearms, important documents.
• Do not let anyone remove property from the home until the rightful executor, administrator, or successor trustee has been identified.
• Check on vehicles and ensure they are locked and parked safely.
• Maintain insurance — do not cancel homeowner's or renter's insurance on the property.

5. Locate Estate Planning Documents

Begin looking for the decedent's estate planning documents. You do not need to read them in detail today — just find them and keep them safe.

What to look for:

• Living trust (revocable trust or family trust)
• Last will and testament (look for the original with original signatures)
• Advance health care directive (may be needed if organ donation decisions are pending)
• Financial power of attorney (this document expires at death, but it helps identify agents and assets)
• Life insurance policies
• Deeds to real property
• Recent bank and brokerage statements
• Tax returns (most recent 3 years)

Where to look:

• Home office, filing cabinet, desk drawers
• Home safe or lockbox
• Safe deposit box at the bank (note: you may need a death certificate or court order to access this later)
• With their attorney — look for any legal correspondence to identify the law firm
• With their financial advisor or CPA

6. Arrange Care for Pets

If the decedent had pets, arrange for their immediate care. Check their estate plan — many trusts include provisions for pet care and designate a caretaker.

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Days 2-7: The First Week

Once the immediate crisis of the first day has passed, the first week focuses on funeral planning, death certificates, and beginning to gather information.

Funeral and Memorial Planning

Work with the funeral home to plan the service. Key decisions include:

• Burial vs. cremation — Check whether the decedent expressed a preference in their estate plan, advance directive, or in conversation with family members.
• Service type — religious, secular, celebration of life, graveside, etc.
• Timing — Most California funerals occur within 5-10 days of death.
• Costs — California funeral costs range from $3,000-$15,000+ depending on the type of service and burial vs. cremation. The funeral home is required by FTC rules to provide an itemized price list.

Who pays for the funeral? Funeral expenses are paid from the estate. If you need to pay out of pocket initially, keep all receipts — you are entitled to reimbursement from the estate as a priority expense.

Order Death Certificates

This is one of the most important tasks of the first week. You will need certified copies of the death certificate for virtually every financial and legal step that follows.

How death certificates work in California:

1. The funeral director prepares the death certificate in coordination with the attending physician or coroner.
2. The physician must sign the medical portion within 15 hours of death.
3. The funeral director files the completed certificate with the local registrar.
4. Certified copies become available approximately 2-4 weeks after filing.

How many to order: At least 10-15 certified copies. You will need them for:

Purpose	Copies Needed
Probate court filing	1-2
Each bank or brokerage account	1 each
Life insurance claims	1 each
Social Security Administration	1
DMV / vehicle transfers	1
Real property transfers	1-2
Employer / pension benefits	1
VA benefits (if applicable)	1
Spare copies for unexpected needs	2-3

Cost: Approximately $25-35 per certified copy in most California counties.

Where to order additional copies later: County Recorder's Office or the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Notify the Employer and Immediate Contacts

• Employer: Contact the decedent's employer (or former employer) to ask about final paychecks, unpaid benefits, life insurance through work, pension or 401(k) plans, and COBRA health insurance continuation for dependents.
• Social Security: Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to report the death. If the decedent was receiving Social Security benefits, payments must stop. The surviving spouse may be entitled to survivor benefits. The funeral home will often file this notification on your behalf, but confirm that it has been done.
• Veterans Affairs: If the decedent was a veteran, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to inquire about burial benefits, survivor benefits, and a flag for the casket.

Locate the Will, Trust, and Estate Plan

If you did not find estate documents on the first day, make a thorough search this week. Beyond the locations listed above:

• Contact the decedent's attorney — if you find legal correspondence, invoices, or a business card from any law firm, call them. Many California attorneys hold original estate planning documents for their clients.
• Ask the financial advisor, CPA, or insurance agent — they often know whether estate planning was done and may have copies.
• Check with the county recorder — recorded documents such as deeds may show transfers to a trust, which tells you a trust exists.
• Ask family members — siblings, children, or a close friend may know where documents are kept.

Manage the Mail

• Forward the decedent's mail to a trusted family member or the executor/trustee's address by filing a change of address form with USPS.
• Watch the mail carefully — it will reveal accounts, bills, subscriptions, and debts you may not know about.
• Do not throw away any mail. Even junk mail can reveal the existence of accounts or creditors.

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Week 2: Financial and Legal Steps

By the second week, you should have the death certificates in hand (or on the way) and a clearer picture of the decedent's estate. Now it is time to address the financial and legal realities.

Determine: Probate or Trust Administration?

This is the most important legal question after someone dies. The answer depends on what estate planning the decedent had in place and how their assets are titled.

Situation	Likely Path	Timeline
Funded living trust (most assets titled in trust name)	Trust administration — no court required	6-12 months
Will only (no trust), estate over $208,000	Full probate required	12-24 months
No will, no trust, estate over $208,000	Probate with intestate succession	12-24+ months
Estate under $208,000 (no real property)	Small estate affidavit possible	40 days +
All assets in joint tenancy or with beneficiary designations	May not need probate or trust admin	Varies

How to tell which path applies:

1. Check the deed to any real property — is it titled in the trust's name or the individual's name?
2. Check bank and brokerage accounts — are they titled in the trust's name? Do they have beneficiary designations?
3. Check retirement accounts and life insurance — these pass by beneficiary designation, not through probate or trust.
4. Total the assets held in the decedent's individual name — if the total is under $208,000 and does not include real property, a small estate affidavit may work.

For a full comparison, read our guide on trust administration vs. probate in California.

Contact Banks and Financial Institutions

With death certificates in hand, begin contacting financial institutions. For each account, you will need:

• A certified copy of the death certificate
• Your identification
• A copy of the trust (if assets are in a trust) or Letters Testamentary / Letters of Administration (if the estate is in probate — note: you will not have these yet in week 2)

What to do now:

• Notify each bank and brokerage of the death
• Request that accounts be frozen to prevent unauthorized transactions
• Ask about any automatic payments tied to the accounts (mortgage, utilities, insurance)
• Do not close any accounts yet — the executor or trustee will handle that

File the Will with the Court

As discussed above, if a will exists, it must be filed (or "lodged") with the Superior Court within 30 days of the death under Probate Code Section 8200. This is a separate step from filing a petition for probate.

• File the original will with the court clerk in the county where the decedent lived.
• In Los Angeles County, wills are filed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse.
• There is typically a small filing fee.
• Keep a copy for your records before filing the original.

Insurance Claims

Life insurance:

• Contact each life insurance company with a certified death certificate and a claim form.
• Life insurance proceeds are paid directly to the named beneficiary — they do not go through probate or trust administration.
• Proceeds are typically received within 30-60 days of filing the claim.
• Life insurance benefits are generally not taxable as income to the beneficiary.

Health insurance:

• Notify the health insurer of the death.
• If the decedent had employer-sponsored health insurance and a spouse or dependents were covered, they may be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage (up to 36 months for a death-qualifying event).
• If the decedent was on Medicare, call 1-800-633-4227 to report the death.

Other insurance:

• Auto insurance — notify the carrier; do not cancel until vehicles are transferred
• Homeowner's / renter's insurance — maintain coverage on all property until it is distributed or sold

Mortgage, Rent, and Utilities

• Continue paying the mortgage on any real property. A death does not excuse mortgage payments, and the lender can foreclose if payments stop.
• Continue paying utilities — you need to maintain the property in good condition.
• Notify the landlord if the decedent rented their home. Review the lease terms regarding early termination due to death.
• Keep records of all payments — the estate will reimburse these expenses.

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Weeks 3-4: Getting Organized for the Long Road Ahead

By the third and fourth weeks, the immediate crisis has passed and the focus shifts to organizing the estate for formal administration — whether that is trust administration or probate.

Create a Complete Asset Inventory

Whether the estate goes through probate or trust administration, a comprehensive inventory of all assets and debts is essential.

Assets to inventory:

• Real property (homes, rental properties, vacant land) — get addresses and approximate values
• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs, money market)
• Brokerage and investment accounts (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
• Retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension)
• Life insurance policies (company, policy number, beneficiary, face value)
• Vehicles (cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles)
• Business interests (ownership in any business, LLC, partnership, corporation)
• Personal property of significant value (jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, firearms)
• Digital assets (cryptocurrency, PayPal, Venmo, online business accounts)
• Money owed to the decedent (loans, promissory notes)
• Tax refunds expected

Debts to inventory:

• Mortgage(s) and home equity loans
• Credit card balances
• Auto loans
• Personal loans
• Medical bills
• Unpaid taxes
• Student loans (federal student loans are discharged at death; private loans may not be)

Obtain Property Appraisals

If the estate includes real property, you will need professional appraisals. These establish the date-of-death value, which is critical for:

• Stepped-up basis — Beneficiaries receive a new tax basis equal to the property's fair market value at the date of death, which can save enormous capital gains taxes when the property is sold.
• Probate inventory — The court requires a formal property valuation. In California probate, a court-appointed probate referee handles this.
• Trust administration — The trustee needs date-of-death values for tax reporting and fair distribution.

Begin the Probate or Trust Administration Process

If the estate requires probate:

• Consult with a California probate attorney to prepare the Petition for Probate
• The process begins with filing the petition and giving notice to heirs and beneficiaries
• The first court hearing is typically 30-45 days after filing
• After appointment, you will receive Letters Testamentary granting your authority to act
• Read our complete guide: How to File Probate in Los Angeles County

If the estate has a funded living trust:

• The successor trustee steps into the role of managing the trust
• Formal probate is generally not required
• The trustee must send a 60-day notice to beneficiaries and heirs under Probate Code Section 16061.7
• Read our step-by-step guide: First Steps as Successor Trustee in California
• Full checklist: Trust Administration Checklist for California

Tax Considerations

Several tax obligations arise after a death:

Final individual income tax return (Form 1040):

• A final federal and California income tax return must be filed for the decedent, covering January 1 through the date of death.
• Due date: April 15 of the year following death (extensions available).
• The surviving spouse (if any) may file a joint return for the year of death.

Estate income tax return (Form 1041):

• If the estate earns income after death (interest, rent, dividends), a fiduciary income tax return (Form 1041 / California Form 541) must be filed.
• The executor or trustee must obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS for the estate or trust.
• Read our detailed guide: Trust Administration Tax Returns in California

Federal estate tax return (Form 706):

• Only required if the estate exceeds the federal estate tax exemption ($13.99 million per person in 2026).
• Due 9 months after death (extension available).
• Most California estates will not owe federal estate tax, but the return may still need to be filed to elect portability of the unused exemption for the surviving spouse.

California estate tax:

• California does not have a state estate tax or inheritance tax.

Creditor Notifications

The executor or trustee has a duty to notify creditors:

• In probate, the personal representative must publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper and mail notice to known creditors. Creditors then have 4 months from the date of notice (or 60 days from mailing, whichever is later) to file claims.
• In trust administration, the trustee should notify known creditors and allow a reasonable time for claims before distributing assets.
• Learn more: Creditor Claims in California Probate

Vehicle Transfers

To transfer a vehicle title after death in California:

• If the vehicle was held in a trust — the trustee can transfer title with a copy of the trust and death certificate.
• If the vehicle was individually owned — you may need probate, a small estate affidavit, or an affidavit for transfer without probate (DMV REG 5) for vehicles valued under $208,000.
• Visit the DMV with: death certificate, vehicle title, appropriate affidavit or court documents.

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Common Situations and What to Do

What If There Is No Will or Trust?

If the decedent died without any estate plan (called "dying intestate"), California's intestate succession laws determine who inherits. The estate will go through probate, and the court will appoint an administrator.

California intestate succession (simplified):

• Married with no children: Surviving spouse inherits everything.
• Married with children: Surviving spouse receives all community property; separate property is divided between spouse and children.
• Unmarried with children: Children inherit everything equally.
• No spouse, no children: Parents, then siblings, then more distant relatives.

For the complete rules, read: What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will in California

What If You Cannot Find Estate Documents?

• Ask every family member, friend, attorney, financial advisor, and CPA who might know.
• Search the county recorder's office for recorded deeds that may reference a trust.
• Contact the California State Bar's lawyer referral service if you know the attorney's name but not their current contact information.
• Check safe deposit boxes (you may need a court order).
• If no documents are ever found, the estate will be treated as intestate.

What If Family Members Disagree?

Disputes among family members are unfortunately common after a death, especially when there is no clear estate plan — or when family members believe the estate plan is unfair.

• Do not try to mediate major disputes yourself. Family dynamics and grief make objective resolution nearly impossible.
• Consult an attorney before taking any action that could be challenged.
• Document everything — keep records of all property, all expenses, and all communications.
• If you suspect undue influence, incapacity, or fraud in the estate plan, there are legal options to contest a will or trust.

What About Digital Assets and Social Media?

Digital assets are an increasingly important part of estate administration:

• Email accounts — May contain critical information about other accounts and assets.
• Social media — Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms have legacy and memorialization options.
• Online financial accounts — Check for cryptocurrency wallets, PayPal, Venmo, online brokerage accounts.
• Subscriptions and automatic payments — Cancel streaming services, subscription boxes, online memberships to stop ongoing charges.
• Password managers — If the decedent used a password manager (1Password, LastPass, etc.), the master password can unlock access to everything.

What If the Person Died Out of State?

If a California resident died in another state (for example, while traveling), the death certificate will be issued by the state where the death occurred. However:

• Probate is filed where the decedent was domiciled — meaning where they permanently lived, not where they died.
• You will need certified copies of the out-of-state death certificate.
• If the decedent owned real property in multiple states, ancillary probate may be required in each state where property is located. This is one of the strongest reasons to have a living trust, which avoids probate in every state.

Small Estate Procedures (Under $208,000)

If the total value of the decedent's probate estate (assets not in a trust, not in joint tenancy, and without beneficiary designations) is $208,000 or less (2026 threshold), California offers simplified procedures:

• Small estate affidavit (Probate Code Section 13100) — For personal property (bank accounts, vehicles, etc.) worth $208,000 or less. Can be used 40 days after death.
• Petition to Determine Succession to Property (Probate Code Section 13150) — For real property in estates under $208,000. Requires a court petition but is simpler and faster than full probate.

Read the full guide: California Small Estate Affidavit Guide

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What NOT to Do After Someone Dies

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Complete 30-Day Master Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to track your progress. Not every item will apply to every situation.

Day 1: Immediate Actions

• Have death officially pronounced (911 or hospice)
• Contact funeral home to transport the body
• Notify immediate family members
• Secure the decedent's residence (lock doors, protect valuables)
• Begin looking for estate planning documents (will, trust, insurance)
• Arrange care for pets
• If decedent lived alone, arrange to check on the property regularly

Days 2-7: First Week

• Make funeral and memorial arrangements
• Order 10-15 certified death certificates through the funeral home
• Notify the decedent's employer
• Call Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
• Notify Veterans Affairs (if applicable): 1-800-827-1000
• Conduct thorough search for will, trust, and estate plan documents
• Contact the decedent's attorney (if known)
• Forward or redirect the decedent's mail
• Notify the decedent's health insurance, auto insurance, and homeowner's insurance
• Begin a file or binder to organize all estate documents and correspondence

Days 8-14: Second Week

• Determine whether the estate requires probate or trust administration
• Consult with a probate or trust administration attorney
• File the will with the Superior Court (30-day deadline)
• Notify banks and financial institutions of the death
• File life insurance claims
• Continue paying mortgage, rent, utilities, and property insurance
• Request COBRA continuation coverage for dependents (if applicable)
• Begin creating the asset and debt inventory

Days 15-21: Third Week

• Obtain property appraisals for real estate
• Apply for an EIN from the IRS for the estate or trust
• If probate is needed: prepare and file the Petition for Probate
• If trust administration: send 60-day notice to beneficiaries
• Cancel unnecessary subscriptions and services
• Notify credit bureaus of the death to prevent identity theft (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
• Secure digital assets (email, social media, online accounts)

Days 22-30: Fourth Week

• Complete the asset inventory
• Organize financial records for tax preparation
• Begin vehicle title transfers (if applicable)
• Notify creditors (as required by your role as executor or trustee)
• Set up estate bank account to receive income and pay expenses
• Review and understand your duties as executor or successor trustee
• Establish a system for record-keeping and communication with beneficiaries

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first things you should do when someone dies in California?

In the first 24-48 hours, focus on five essential steps: (1) Have the death officially pronounced — call 911 if the death was unexpected or at home without hospice, or call the hospice nurse if the person was under hospice care. (2) Contact a funeral home or mortuary to arrange transportation of the body. (3) Notify immediate family members and close friends — you do not need to contact everyone personally; ask a trusted family member or friend to help. (4) Secure the decedent's residence and personal property by locking the home, protecting valuables, and ensuring nobody removes items until the legal representative is identified. (5) Begin searching for estate planning documents — look for a living trust, will, life insurance policies, and financial records in the home, safe deposit box, or with the person's attorney.

Equally important is what you should not do: do not rush to make financial decisions, do not distribute any property, do not close bank accounts, and do not pay the decedent's debts from your own funds. The first few days should focus on immediate practical needs and grieving. The financial and legal steps can begin in the second week once you have death certificates in hand.

How do I get a death certificate in California?

The death certificate process in California begins with the funeral home. The funeral director prepares the death certificate and coordinates with the attending physician or coroner, who must sign the medical portion within 15 hours of death. The funeral director then files the completed certificate with the local registrar of vital records.

Certified copies typically become available 2-4 weeks after filing. You can order certified copies through the funeral home at the time of arrangements (the easiest option), through the county recorder's office in the county where the death occurred, or through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Order at least 10-15 certified copies. Nearly every institution — banks, insurance companies, the DMV, Social Security, courts, government agencies — requires its own original certified copy. They generally will not accept photocopies. Certified copies cost approximately $25-35 each in most California counties. It is significantly easier and faster to order sufficient copies through the funeral home initially than to request additional copies later.

How do I find out if someone had a will or trust in California?

Start with the most likely physical locations: the decedent's home office, filing cabinet, desk, safe, or lockbox. Look for a binder or folder labeled "estate plan," "trust," or "important documents." Check for any legal correspondence — letters or invoices from a law firm — and contact that attorney, as many California attorneys retain original estate planning documents for their clients.

Next, check with the decedent's financial professionals: their financial advisor, CPA, insurance agent, or banker may know whether estate planning was done and who prepared the documents. Ask close family members — a spouse, adult children, or siblings may have been involved in the planning process.

If the decedent had a safe deposit box at a bank, estate documents may be stored there. In California, you may need a death certificate and in some cases a court order to access the box.

You can also check the county recorder's office for recorded deeds that reference a trust — if a property deed shows a transfer to "[Name] Living Trust," that confirms a trust exists.

Under California Probate Code Section 8200, if a will is found, it must be filed with the Superior Court within 30 days of the person's death, regardless of whether probate is needed. Failure to file can result in legal liability.

Do I need a probate attorney after someone dies in California?

Whether you need a probate attorney depends on the type and complexity of the estate:

You likely need an attorney if:

• The estate must go through formal probate (assets over $208,000 not held in a trust, joint tenancy, or with beneficiary designations). California probate involves strict court deadlines, complex filings, required hearings, and procedures that vary by county. Representing yourself in probate is possible but risky.
• There are disputes among beneficiaries, family members, or creditors.
• The estate involves complex assets such as businesses, real property in multiple states, or significant tax issues.
• You suspect fraud, undue influence, or incapacity affecting the estate plan.

You may not need an attorney, but it is recommended, if:

• The decedent had a properly funded living trust. Trust administration does not require court involvement, but the successor trustee still has legal duties including proper notifications, tax filings, and distributions. An attorney can ensure you fulfill these obligations and avoid personal liability. Read more: Trust Administration Process in California.
• The estate qualifies for small estate procedures (under $208,000).

Statutory attorney fees in California probate are set by Probate Code Section 10810: 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, 1% of the next $9,000,000, and 0.5% of the next $15,000,000. For more details, see our guide: How Much Does Probate Cost in California?

How long do I have to file probate after someone dies in California?

California does not impose a strict statutory deadline for filing the Petition for Probate. However, there are important time-sensitive obligations:

• A will must be lodged with the Superior Court within 30 days of the person's death (Probate Code Section 8200). This is separate from filing the probate petition itself.
• Once a personal representative is appointed, they must notify known creditors within 30 days of appointment and publish a general notice to creditors.
• The general statute of limitations for most probate matters is 4 years after death, but waiting that long creates serious practical problems.

Practical reasons to file promptly (within 30-60 days of death):

• Estate assets may deteriorate, lose value, or be mismanaged without a court-appointed representative.
• Creditors may file lawsuits against the estate.
• Bills, taxes, and mortgage payments continue to accrue.
• Beneficiaries may become frustrated and hostile, leading to costly disputes.
• Real property requires ongoing maintenance and insurance.

Most probate attorneys recommend filing the Petition for Probate within 30-60 days of the death. In Los Angeles County, the Stanley Mosk Courthouse is the primary filing location, with hearings typically set 30-45 days after filing. For a full timeline, read: How Long Does Probate Take in California?

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When to Call an Attorney

You do not necessarily need an attorney on the first day. But you should consult one within the first two weeks — before you take legal or financial actions that could create problems.

Call an attorney promptly if:

• The estate includes real property
• The total estate exceeds $208,000
• You cannot find a will or trust
• Family members are disagreeing about the estate
• The decedent had debts, creditors, or pending lawsuits
• You are named as executor or successor trustee and are unsure of your duties
• You believe the estate plan was created under undue influence or when the person lacked capacity

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About the Author

Rozsa Gyene (State Bar No. 208356) is a California estate planning, probate, and trust administration attorney based in Glendale (450 N Brand Blvd, Suite 600, Glendale, CA 91203). With over 25 years of experience, she helps families throughout Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties navigate the legal process after a loved one's death — including probate, trust administration, estate settlement, and related disputes. Contact her office at (818) 291-6217 or visit livingtrust-attorneys.com.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every estate is unique, and California law is complex and subject to change. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified California attorney. Last updated March 2026.