Advertising scope: This page identifies a category of clerical document preparation that a participating office may offer. It does not select or recommend forms, determine eligibility, explain legal rights, or provide advice about deadlines, remedies or strategy.
Professional document preparation for self-represented clients.
Probate petitions, supporting forms, estate transfer documents and related paperwork. By The People offices work from the information and instructions supplied by customers who have chosen to handle their legal matter without attorney representation.
California availability: This page concerns self-help document preparation for California matters. Services, procedures and pricing vary by independently owned office.
Probate paperwork we can prepare
Probate matters often require a sequence of court forms from the opening petition through the closing paperwork. A participating office can prepare the forms offered at that location from the personal representative’s information and instructions.
- Probate petitions
- Notices and supporting forms
- Letters and proposed orders
- Inventory and appraisal forms
- Receipts and waivers
- Final distribution paperwork
How the process works
Contact the office nearest you, describe the document service you are requesting, provide the facts and information needed for the paperwork, and receive a flat-fee quote. The local office will explain its own intake, turnaround, delivery and filing-assistance process.
Common questions
What can California probate document preparation include?
The exact documents depend on the service requested and the office handling the matter. Contact your nearest By The People office for the specific documents it prepares.
Can By The People give me legal advice?
No. California Legal Document Assistants prepare documents at the customer's specific direction and do not provide legal advice or representation.
How much does document preparation cost?
Pricing varies by service and location. By The People offices generally use flat-fee pricing rather than hourly attorney billing.
Are filing fees included?
Court filing fees, recording fees, service fees and other third-party costs are separate unless the office specifically states that they are included.