i am a debt collector in california. my debtor is deceased. we are in contact with the executor and i would like to make a claim against the estate. the debtor was also a california resident.
So make a claim against the estate. Unless your debt is enough to warrant hiring an attorney and/or there is an attorneys fees clause that applies, you're going to have to figure out how to do it yourself. Many counties have a probate self-help desk that may be able to help you, but really, it's not rocket science unless the debt is disputed.
And once you file your claim the executor cannot close and distribute until you withdraw it.