I am the executor of a family member's will who has just passed away. She had less than $100,000 of personal prop (CA). Do I need to file any forms?

Most states have a summary procedure whereby probate is avoided if the value of the assets is less than a certain value, or if the only heir or beneficiary is a spouse. 

In California, if your assets amount to less than $100,000, probate can be avoided entirely. Property held in joint tenancy or with a beneficiary designation is not counted toward this $100,000.  Also, no more than $10,000 of this $100,000 can be held in real estate.  

Here's are links to sites that I think you will find to be of help: 

http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/probate/pdf/TransferForm.pdf (it references LA County but the procedure is the same statewide)

http://www.scselfservice.org/probate/prop/substitutes.htm

I suggest that you obtain further legal advice with regard to which of these assets must be shared with the other relative and which assets might be considered legally yours.    There are some complex issues here that need to be discussed with an attorney who can review the documents relating to ownership of these assets.

You can call my office for further legal assistance.

Robert Spitz

909 395 0909