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California executor checklist (printable)

Last reviewed Oct 29, 2026 · How we check · Report a correction

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1. Order certified death certificates (The county recorder or the California Department of Public Health vital records office).
2. Find the original will. California: Yes, the original must be delivered to the court. Unless a probate petition is filed first, whoever has the will must, within 30 days after learning of the death, deliver it personally or by registered or certified mail to the clerk of the superior court in the county where the estate may be administered, and send a copy to the named executor (or a beneficiary). A custodian who fails to do this can be liable for damages. The delivery fee is set by Gov. Code § 70626.
3. Secure the home, vehicles and valuables; forward mail.
4. Decide whether probate is needed. California shortcut: California has a small-estate affidavit after 40 days, with a dollar limit that is adjusted periodically (Prob. Code § 13100).
5. If a case is needed, file with the court for the county where the person lived: Superior Court (probate clerk) for the county (county list).
6. Get appointed and receive court letters.
7. Get an EIN from the IRS and open an estate bank account.
8. Handle creditor claims. California: Creditors must file a claim by the later of 4 months after letters are first issued to a general personal representative, or 60 days after notice of administration is mailed or delivered to that creditor.
9. Prepare an inventory if the court requires one.
10. File the final income tax return and any estate income tax returns.
11. Pay valid debts and expenses, distribute assets and get receipts.
12. Close the estate with the court if a case was opened.

Sources

• Custodian must deliver the will to the superior court clerk within 30 days of learning of the death and send a copy to the executor. Source: Cal. Prob. Code § 8200, checked Oct 29, 2026.
• Deadline: later of four months after letters first issued or 60 days after notice of administration is mailed or delivered to the creditor. Source: Cal. Prob. Code § 9100, checked Oct 29, 2026.
• Heirs may collect personal property by affidavit, without probate, if the gross value of the decedent’s California property (excluding certain assets) does not exceed the statutory limit and 40 days have passed since death. The statute states $166,250 “as adjusted periodically” under § 890; check the current adjusted figure with the California courts before relying on it. Source: Cal. Prob. Code § 13100, checked Oct 29, 2026.

Official forms, fees and e-filing:

• Probate self-help and Judicial Council forms (California Courts)
• Statewide civil fee schedule, including probate petitions (California Courts)

When to get professional help

This site gives general legal information, not legal advice. Consider talking to a licensed attorney in the state if:

• someone may contest the will, or family members disagree;
• the estate owns a business, out-of-state real estate, or may owe estate tax;
• debts may be larger than the assets;
• you are unsure whether a deadline applies to you, or one may already have passed.

Many state and local bar associations run lawyer referral services; your probate court’s self-help page may list them.

Step-by-step guide: After a death in California · General version: Executor checklist