California Probate
What is the California Petition to Determine Succession to Property?
Short answer
A court petition for small estates ($208,850 or less for deaths on or after April 1, 2025; $184,500 applied for deaths before that date) that involves real property. The small estate affidavit does not work for real estate — you need this petition. It is simpler than full probate but still requires a court hearing.
What this usually means
A court petition for small estates ($208,850 or less for deaths on or after April 1, 2025; $184,500 applied for deaths before that date) that involves real property. The small estate affidavit does not work for real estate — you need this petition. It is simpler than full probate but still requires a court hearing.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.