Technically, in California, you can probate a will without a lawyer.
Choosing not to hire a professional to save some money can actually end up costing you more money and even more time. Doing probate yourself is not recommended.
It's better to have a professional by your side who knows the ropes and can help you avoid making costly mistakes - especially since you're already going through the loss of a loved one.
Probate can be a complicated process, and if you're not familiar with the ins and outs, you could easily make mistakes that end up costing you more money and time in the long run.
A good probate lawyer will help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible, saving you both money and headaches down the road.