Money and accounts
What is probate and do I have to go through it?
Short answer
Probate is the court process that transfers assets from a deceased person to heirs. In California, it is required if the estate has more than $208,850 in assets not covered by a trust, beneficiary designation, or joint ownership (for deaths on or after April 1, 2025; $184,500 applied for earlier deaths). It takes 9–18 months…
What this usually means
Probate is the court process that transfers assets from a deceased person to heirs. In California, it is required if the estate has more than $208,850 in assets not covered by a trust, beneficiary designation, or joint ownership (for deaths on or after April 1, 2025; $184,500 applied for earlier deaths). It takes 9–18 months and costs money.
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.