When someone dies, the paperwork shouldn't cost $15,000.
Most California estates qualify for one of seven simplified paths — no attorney, no full probate. Answer five plain-English questions and we'll tell you exactly which path is yours, before you create an account, before you pay anything.
Independent · county-registered Legal Document Assistants review every packet.
Built around current law: AB 2016, §13100 at $208,850, residence under $750K.
Document preparation software. No attorney–client privilege. We refer out if you need one.
Screener is free. Account is free. You pay only when forms are ready to file.
If a parent left a home under $750,000, it likely doesn't need full probate.
California's AB 2016 created a simplified succession path. One brief hearing, no attorney required.
We'll tell you upfront if we're the right fit — or if you need an attorney
Settling an estate is hard. We'll be honest about whether we can help.
ProbateClear isn't for every estate. If your situation is complicated — contested will, creditor disputes, business interests — you need an attorney and we'll say so directly. But if your estate is straightforward, you probably don't need to pay $10,000 to find that out.
Attorneys charge by the hour. Other LDA services charge by the heir. We charge a flat fee — and mean it.
When a family member dies, the last thing you need is an attorney's clock running at $400/hour while you're still figuring out what questions to ask — or a document service that quotes $729 and then adds $75 per co-petitioner and $100 per beneficiary over five. We built ProbateClear to replace both models: one flat fee per path, every document included, reviewed by a licensed professional. No retainer. No surprises. No add-ons.
ProbateClear is a document preparation software platform, not a law firm. We connect you with independent, county-registered Legal Document Assistants who review and file your documents. You remain the filer of record — with a licensed professional in your corner. If your case turns out to need an attorney, we'll refer you to a vetted partner and never charge you for a service you can't use.
Your estate probably doesn't need full probate.
California law gives families seven simpler options before full probate is required. Most estates qualify for at least one — and many qualify for two or three at once. Our screener identifies every path that applies to your situation in a single session. One flat fee covers all affidavit paths.
A primary residence under $750,000
A primary residence in California held solely in the decedent's name (no trust, joint tenancy, or TOD deed). File the DE-310 petition, attend one brief hearing, receive the DE-315 court order, and record it at the county recorder.
From 5 questions to a filed estate
You answer questions in plain English. We handle every form.
Common questions
Most families know within 5 questions.
Answer 5 plain-English questions and we'll show you every path your estate qualifies for under California's current 2025–2026 laws. No account required. No payment until you decide to move forward. If the screener finds something we can't help with, we'll tell you that too — and point you toward someone who can.