Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Depending on the size of the estate and the items left in the estate, the children will probably need to file probate to obtain control and access to their mother's estate.

The probate process will appoint an administrator (or administrators) to manage the estate for the intestate heirs who is sounds like are the deceased's children.

I would agree with Mr. Jordan. Depending on the estate, a opening probate may be necessary. If the estate is rather small, it may be possible to do so with an affidavit. Feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions.