Paperwork and process
Do I need a lawyer?
Short answer
For simple estates with clear beneficiaries, no. For anything involving probate, contested assets, real estate, business ownership, significant debt, or family disagreement — yes. Many probate attorneys offer free consultations.
What this usually means
For simple estates with clear beneficiaries, no. For anything involving probate, contested assets, real estate, business ownership, significant debt, or family disagreement — yes. Many probate attorneys offer free consultations.
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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.