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 the UK

Handling a California Probate From the United Kingdom

Your parent or relative lived in California; you are in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. The good news: an uncontested California probate is built around court filings and attorney appearances, not family attendance — so the entire case can run while you stay in the UK. We handle the filings and appear in the California courts; you review and e-sign documents from home, eight time zones away.

Built for executors abroad

Advance Planning, A Law Corporation is a probate-only practice, and out-of-area executors — including executors overseas — are a substantial part of our caseload. Calls are scheduled around the time difference, documents move by email and e-signature, and the rare paper that needs notarization can usually be handled at a U.S. embassy or consulate, or through local channels where the rules allow. Estate distributions are wired internationally at the end of the case.

The remote process, on UK time

We prepare every document for electronic signature and make every court appearance in California ourselves. Most uncontested probates finish without any family member boarding a flight — the court never expects to see you.

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 the UK. 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 at the start so it never becomes a surprise.

The estate is just a house in California. Do I really need probate?

It depends on the value and how title was held. If the house was in a living trust, usually no. For deaths on or after April 1, 2025, a primary residence at $750,000 or less may qualify for a streamlined petition. Above that, full probate usually applies — with the statutory fee quoted to the dollar before you decide anything.

Call (925) 336-3632 for a free 15-minute consultation — we are happy to schedule it for UK evening hours — or book online.