California Probate
Does the $184,500 small estate threshold include everything?
Short answer
No. It only counts assets that would otherwise go through probate. Assets that pass outside of probate — joint accounts, beneficiary-designated accounts, trust assets, vehicles transferred by affidavit — do not count toward the threshold. The threshold calculation is often lower than…
What this usually means
No. It only counts assets that would otherwise go through probate. Assets that pass outside of probate — joint accounts, beneficiary-designated accounts, trust assets, vehicles transferred by affidavit — do not count toward the threshold. The threshold calculation is often lower than families expect.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.