No. Assets with named beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement), assets held in a living trust, and some jointly‑owned property usually bypass probate. Some smaller estates may qualify for simplified procedures.

California’s intestate‑succession rules determine who inherits. The court typically appoints an administrator (often a close family member) to handle the process, similar to an executor.

Every estate is different, but a straightforward California probate commonly ranges from several months to over a year, depending on court calendars, creditor timelines, real‑estate sales, and tax issues.

You must safeguard assets, notify heirs/creditors, pay valid debts and taxes, account to the court, and distribute the estate according to the will or California law—all under court supervision.

There’s usually at least one hearing to open the case; additional hearings depend on what’s required (e.g., confirming a real‑estate sale). We prepare you and handle filings so you’re not alone.

Assets in a revocable living trust, payable‑on‑death/transfer‑on‑death accounts, many retirement accounts and life insurance with beneficiaries, and some joint‑tenancy property typically pass outside probate.

We do not litigate contested matters. If a dispute arises, we will refer you to proven probate‑litigation counsel and coordinate the administrative steps we can in parallel.