Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

It depends. Here's a good place to start:

https://www.courts.ca.gov/8865.htm

The answer to your questions depends on the amount of and type of assets the decedent had at the time of death. If, for instance, the decedent owned a home or had more than $160,000 in a bank account, a probate will need to be opened. If the decedent owned very little, a probate may be avoided. I suggest you contact a local probate attorney to discuss your options.