When a person dies their property is transferred to their heirs.  Who their heirs are is determined either by their estate plan or the provisions of the Probate Code.  If the person left a will or died without a will then a probate must be filed in the county where the person lived.  If the person left a trust then the Trustee distributes the assets of the estate pursuant to the terms of the Trust.  I have more than 30 years experience in assisting families in administering their loved ones estate, be it through probate or trust administration.  For a more detailed description of the probate process please visit the page entitled “Probate”.