What if the deceased was involved in a lawsuit when they died?

What this usually means

The lawsuit does not automatically end. The estate steps into the deceased's legal position. Pending lawsuits — both ones they filed and ones filed against them — continue with the estate as the party. A probate attorney needs to be involved immediately to protect the estate's interests and deadlines.

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.

Related questions

• What is undue influence and why does it matter in estate disputes?
• What if I think someone manipulated the will or trust before death?
• What are my rights if I was left out of the will?
• What is a no-contest clause in a will or trust?
• What if the executor is mismanaging the estate?