Property and legal
Do I need a lawyer for probate?
Short answer
Not legally required, but strongly recommended if the estate is complex. For simple estates, California has court self-help centers at most Superior Courts. A probate attorney usually works on a statutory fee — a percentage of the estate value.
What this usually means
Not legally required, but strongly recommended if the estate is complex. For simple estates, California has court self-help centers at most Superior Courts. A probate attorney usually works on a statutory fee — a percentage of the estate value.
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.