My parent lived in New York but owned a California vacation home. Do we need a California probate?

Often yes — California real property generally cannot pass through a New York proceeding alone. An ancillary California probate handles the California property, and as a New York-admitted attorney, Grant can coordinate both sides of the case.

Can a New York resident serve as executor of a California estate?

Yes. California does not disqualify out-of-state executors, though under Probate Code Section 8571 the court in its discretion may require a nonresident personal representative to give a bond. We plan for that up front.

California Probate From Canada

Handling a California Probate From Canada

Bay Area families often span the border: a parent in California, children in Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary. When the California estate needs probate, none of that requires you to relocate — or even visit. An uncontested California probate moves on court filings and attorney appearances. We make those; you handle your part by phone, email, and e-signature from Canada.

Cross-border estates are normal here

A probate-only practice sees cross-border families constantly. Calls are easy to schedule — most of Canada overlaps U.S. business hours — documents move by e-signature, and the rare paper that needs notarization can usually be handled at a U.S. consulate or through local channels where the rules allow. Distributions are wired to Canadian accounts at the end of the case.

The remote process, from anywhere in Canada

We prepare every document for electronic signature and make every court appearance in California ourselves. Most uncontested probates finish without any family member crossing the border.

What a California probate costs

California sets probate attorney fees by statute (Probate Code Section 10810): 4% of the first $100,000 of the estate's gross value, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and 1% of the next $9 million. A $1,000,000 Bay Area home therefore generates a $23,000 statutory attorney fee — the same whether the executor is in Sacramento or on Long Island. Most uncontested cases run 9–18 months; simplified petitions can finish in 2–3 months.

How often will I need to fly to California?

Usually never. We make the court appearances; most uncontested probates finish without any family member attending a hearing.

I live in Canada. Can I serve as executor of a California estate?

Yes. California does not disqualify executors who live out of state or abroad, though for a nonresident personal representative the court may require a bond (Probate Code Section 8571). We plan for that up front.

My parent lived in Canada but owned California real estate. Do we need a California probate?

Often yes — California real property generally cannot pass through a Canadian proceeding alone. A California administration handles the California property; we run the California side and coordinate with your Canadian advisers on the rest.

Call (925) 336-3632 for a free 15-minute consultation, or book online.