Does the probate process differ from state to state?
The probate process differs radically from state to state. California is among some of the more conservative jurisdictions that depend upon court supervision to minimize the possibility of abusive process by a personal representative. There are a number of states that, in one form or another, have adopted the uniform probate code. And although I am not familiar with that process, I understand it can involve as little as an initial petition to open the probate and a final petition to close it.
