Short Answer — What you must do, in plain terms

To become an administrator in California you generally must: (1) confirm that probate is required and that there is no valid will naming a personal representative; (2) identify your priority to be appointed under California law; (3) file a petition for letters of administration with the local probate court; (4) give required legal notice to heirs and creditors; (5) appear at any hearing and comply with bond and qualification requirements; and (6) after the court grants Letters of Administration, perform the duties of the personal representative under court supervision. For co-administration, you and another person can ask the court to be appointed together; the court will consider whether joint administration is appropriate.

Detailed Answer — Step-by-step process under California law

1. Determine whether probate is needed.

   Not every estate goes through full probate. Small assets, jointly owned property, beneficiary designations, trusts, and certain transfers can avoid probate. If probate is required (for example, significant assets titled only in the decedent’s name), you will need to begin the court process.

2. Check for a valid will.

   If the decedent left a valid will that names an executor, the court will normally appoint that person (they will seek Letters Testamentary). If there is no will, or the named executor cannot or will not serve, the court appoints an administrator (Letters of Administration). The priority for who may be appointed is set by statute; the court follows that order when multiple people apply. See California Probate Code (priority and appointment rules) for details: California Probate Code.

3. Confirm your priority to be appointed.

   California law gives appointment priority to certain persons (commonly the surviving spouse or registered domestic partner, adult children, parents, siblings, and more remote relatives). If multiple people in the same priority class ask to be appointed, the court decides based on suitability and any agreements among them. If you want to be a co-administrator, you or the proposed co-administrators should request joint administration in the petition. The court will grant co-administration if it finds good cause and that joint administration is practical and not prejudicial.

4. Prepare and file the required probate petition and supporting documents.

   File a Petition for Probate asking for Letters of Administration (or Letters Testamentary if a will exists but no executor will serve). Include:

   • Certified copy of the death certificate.
   • Information about assets and rough value.
   • A list of heirs or beneficiaries and their addresses (to the extent known).
   • Any written waivers or consents you have from other interested persons, if applicable.

   California Judicial Council probate forms and local court filing rules are available at the California Courts website: California Probate Forms. Follow your county probate court’s local rules for filing and fees.

5. Give legal notice to heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors.

   After you file the petition, the court will require formal notice to all persons entitled to notice (heirs, beneficiaries, and sometimes creditors). The court may also require publication of a notice to creditors depending on the estate’s circumstances. The notice rules and timelines are set by statute and court rule; you must follow them carefully to protect the estate and to qualify for appointment.

6. Post a bond if required, or seek bonding relief.

   Probate courts commonly require an executor or administrator to post a bond (insurance protecting the estate against loss). The court can waive or reduce the bond if the will waives it, or if all interested persons agree and the court approves. Ask the court or review the probate code provisions on bonds when you file.

7. Attend the hearing (if the court schedules one) and be sworn in.

   The court may schedule a hearing to consider the petition. At the hearing the judge will decide whether to issue Letters of Administration. If granted, the court will issue Letters of Administration (often called Letters of Administration with full authority) that officially name you as the estate’s personal representative. If you sought co-administration, the letters will specify co-administrators and their powers.

8. Accept duties and follow court supervision.

   Once appointed you must gather assets, protect estate property, inventory and appraise assets, pay valid debts and taxes, file required accountings and reports, and distribute assets according to intestate succession (if no will) or according to the will. You must act in the estate’s and beneficiaries’ best interests and follow court orders and probate rules.

9. If you are requesting co-administration.

   Ask the court on your petition that two or more persons be appointed as co-administrators. Provide the court reasons joint administration is appropriate (for example, combined availability or complementary skills). The court can refuse joint administration if it appears likely to cause conflict or harm the estate.

For statutory details on appointment, priority, and qualification of personal representatives under California law, consult the California Probate Code: Probate Code (California). For practical filing forms and step-by-step self-help materials from the state courts, see: California Courts: Probate Self-Help.

Common Questions and Practical Notes

• How long does the process take? Timing depends on the estate’s complexity, whether there are contested issues, and court workload. Uncontested appointments often complete in several weeks to a few months; contested or complex estates take longer.
• Can a creditor or heir stop my appointment? Interested persons can object to a petition. The court will consider objections at the hearing. Valid objections include a higher-priority person seeking appointment or concerns about your fitness to serve (conflicts, serious criminal history, incapacity).
• Do I need an attorney? You can file and manage a probate without counsel, but many people hire an attorney for complicated or contested estates, significant assets, tax issues, or when disputes among heirs exist. Courts provide forms and self-help resources if you choose to proceed without a lawyer.

Helpful Hints

• Start by checking whether assets pass outside probate (beneficiary designations, joint tenancy, living trusts). Avoid unnecessary probate costs where lawful alternatives exist.
• Gather the decedent’s death certificate(s) early — the court and many institutions will require certified copies.
• Talk to likely heirs and potential co-administrators before filing. Written agreements and consents can streamline the court process.
• Follow calendar deadlines for notices and hearings. Missing required notice deadlines can delay appointment or cause complications.
• Keep careful records: receipts, bank statements, communications, and inventories. You’ll need them for inventories, accountings, and final distribution.
• Check county-specific probate procedures and fees — local courts can vary in practice. Use the California Courts website to find your county probate court information and forms.