Money and accounts
How do I avoid probate?
Short answer
Living trusts, joint tenancy, and named beneficiaries on accounts all avoid probate. If they had these in place, probate may not be needed. If not, your options now are limited to whether the estate qualifies for small estate procedures.
What this usually means
Living trusts, joint tenancy, and named beneficiaries on accounts all avoid probate. If they had these in place, probate may not be needed. If not, your options now are limited to whether the estate qualifies for small estate procedures.
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.