"Small Estate" If a deceased person's estate falls below specific financial thresholds, California allows heirs to bypass the formal court system entirely using simplified summary procedures.
Affidavits for Collection of Property.
Small Estate Affidavit (Probate Code § 13100): Used for personal property (cash, bank accounts, stocks, vehicles) valued under $184,500 [CA Courts Small Estate Affidavit]. Heirs sign a notarized affidavit and present it directly to financial institutions to claim assets after a 40-day waiting period [CA Courts Small Estate Affidavit].
Affidavit for Real Property of Small Value (Probate Code § 13200): Another form of a "Small Estate", Used strictly for real estate (land or homes) valued under $61,250. It requires a signature from a court-appointed probate referee and must be filed with the court clerk, but avoids full probate hearings.
Succession of Real Property.
Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property (Probate Code § 13150): Used when the estate includes real estate worth less than $184,500. It requires a brief court hearing and a judge's signature, but is vastly faster and cheaper than formal administration.
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