Unless everything was joint ownership or "payable on death" or "transferable on death" there will be probate. I'm unfamiliar with CA procedures but the basics should apply in any state. There will a hearing where the will is entered for probate and you will be appointed executor. You'll need to apply to the IRS for a tax ID number for the estate. An official death notice will be published in a legal paper stating that anyone with any claim must file it by some date. You may need to a bank account in the name the estate. Once that date passes you'll pay bills, distribute or liquidate the assets and close the estate.