Maybe. If there is a trust then the successor trustee automatically assumes the responsibility (but may seek advice from an attorney). If there is no trust then the estate must be handled by a Probate Court. The California Probate Court is not very friendly to novice administrators (non-attorneys) and usually will require an attorney to represent the estate.

If you don't already know the answer is probably yes. Don't try to walk through a minefield without a map.