Paperwork and process
What is an estate?
Short answer
Everything a person owned at death: money, property, vehicles, investments, personal belongings, and debts. Not all of it necessarily goes through probate — assets with beneficiaries or joint owners pass outside the estate.
What this usually means
Everything a person owned at death: money, property, vehicles, investments, personal belongings, and debts. Not all of it necessarily goes through probate — assets with beneficiaries or joint owners pass outside the estate.
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.