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After a parent dies · California
Executor duties and deadlines in California
In California, the personal representative must file an inventory and appraisal with the court within four months after Letters are first issued. In California, the personal representative must mail a notice of administration to each known creditor within four months after appointment. In California, the personal representative must keep estate money and property separate from everyone else's, including their own.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- In California, the personal representative must file an inventory and appraisal with the court within four months after Letters are first issued. Judicial Council of California, form DE-147 (Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative). Checked November 2, 2026
- In California, the personal representative must mail a notice of administration to each known creditor within four months after appointment. Judicial Council of California, form DE-147 (Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative). Checked November 2, 2026
- In California, if the person received Medi-Cal, the personal representative must notify the State Director of Health Services within 90 days after appointment. Judicial Council of California, form DE-147 (Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative). Checked November 2, 2026
- In California, the personal representative must keep estate money and property separate from everyone else's, including their own. Judicial Council of California, form DE-147 (Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative). Checked November 2, 2026
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Will or trust copies
- Death certificates
- Court papers naming the executor
- Accounts and property papers
- Bills and letters to close out
- Family land papers (heirs' property)
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for California
- How to order a death certificate in California
- How probate works in California after a parent dies
- Small estates in California: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Executor checklist: papers after a parent dies: the full guide
- Executor duties and deadlines: all states
Neighbouring states
- Executor duties and deadlines in Arizona
- Executor duties and deadlines in Nevada
- Executor duties and deadlines in Oregon
- Executor duties and deadlines in Connecticut
Questions
Where do these California facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: Judicial Council of California, form DE-147 (Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative). We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in California or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for after a parent dies?
A good start: Will or trust copies; Death certificates; Court papers naming the executor; Accounts and property papers; Bills and letters to close out; Family land papers (heirs' property). Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.