Detailed Answer — step‑by‑step guide

If you believe probate filings in your father’s estate are missing or contain errors, you can take concrete steps to review the file and, if necessary, ask the probate court to correct or compel filings. Below is a straightforward roadmap you can use in California.

1. Identify the probate case and get the court file

1. Find the probate case number and court. The probate case will be filed in the Superior Court for the county where your father lived at death. If you do not know the case number, call the probate clerk at the correct county court and give your father’s name and date of death.
2. Request the court file. Probate files are generally public. You can view the register of actions (docket) and copies of filings at the clerk’s office. Many California courts also provide online case access. Use the California Courts self‑help pages and local court website to find how to request copies or view the file online: https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp‑probate.htm
3. Get certified or uncertified copies of key documents: letters testamentary/letters of administration, petitions, inventory and appraisal, accountings, receipts, petitions for distribution, and any orders entered by the court.

2. Know common required filings to look for

Common probate filings you should confirm include:

• Letters of administration or letters testamentary (proof who is acting as personal representative).
• Inventory and appraisal (lists estate assets and values).
• Periodic or final account and petition for distribution (shows receipts, expenses, distributions).
• Notices to heirs, creditors, and interested persons; petitions and any court orders.

For an overview of California Probate Code topics and statutory requirements, see the Probate Code Table of Contents: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codesTOCSelected.xhtml?tocCode=PRC&tocTitle=+Probate+Code+-+PRC

3. If a filing is missing — first, try an informal approach

1. Contact the personal representative (PR) in writing. Ask for the missing item (for example, the inventory) and give a reasonable deadline (e.g., 14 days).
2. Keep copies of all written communications and note any phone calls — date, time, person, substance.
3. If the PR says the document was filed, ask for the court case number and specific filing date and then verify at the court clerk’s office.

4. If informal requests fail — use the court process

If the PR does not provide the filing or refuses to act, you may ask the court to intervene. Typical court requests include:

• Petition to compel the PR to perform a duty (for example, to file an inventory, appraisal, or accounting).
• Petition to settle an accounting if the PR has filed an accounting but you dispute it.
• Petition for citation or order to show cause; if the PR ignores court duties, the court can set a hearing and may order sanctions or removal.
• Motion to correct or amend a clerical error in a filed document (if the problem is a clear clerical mistake you can ask the court to correct the record).

Process and forms vary by county. Use the California Courts probate forms and local court rules to prepare and file the proper petition: https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm?category=probate

5. If a filing contains incorrect information — how to object

1. If an accounting contains incorrect transactions or math errors, you can file a written objection or response to the accounting and ask the court for a hearing to settle the account.
2. To dispute valuation errors in an inventory and appraisal, you may request clarification, supplemental appraisal, or object at the accounting or distribution hearing with evidence (independent appraisals, financial records).
3. If you believe the PR engaged in misconduct (self‑dealing, wrong distributions), gather evidence and ask the court for an accounting, surcharge, or removal of the PR.

6. Evidence you should gather

• Your father’s will, trust documents (if any), marriage and death certificates.
• Bank statements, titles, deeds, investment statements, income records showing estate assets.
• Copies of all court filings you have obtained; copies of your communications with the PR.
• Receipts and documents proving improper distributions or missing assets, if any.

7. Typical outcomes the court can order

The probate court can:

• Order the PR to file an inventory, appraisal, or accounting.
• Order correction of clerical errors in court records.
• Surcharge the PR for losses caused by misconduct, order restitution, or remove the PR and appoint a successor.
• Set a hearing for disputed accountings and resolve disputes about distributions.

8. Timeframes and deadlines

Different filings and objections have different timelines. Some duties (like inventory and appraisal or periodic accountings) have statutory timing requirements. Deadlines and exact remedies differ by circumstance and case stage, so confirm deadlines with the court or an attorney. See the Probate Code index for applicable timing rules: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codesTOCSelected.xhtml?tocCode=PRC&tocTitle=+Probate+Code+-+PRC

9. When to hire a probate attorney

Consider hiring an attorney if any of the following apply:

• The PR refuses to provide a required inventory or accounting.
• You suspect fraud, self‑dealing, or significant errors in accounting.
• The estate is complex (business interests, multiple real estate parcels, tax issues) or large.
• You need help preparing pleadings and evidence for a court hearing.

For help finding counsel, use the State Bar of California lawyer referral resources: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/

Helpful Hints

• Start at the court clerk’s office: the register of actions shows who filed what and when — it’s the quickest way to spot missing documents.
• Keep communications in writing when possible so there is a record of demands and responses.
• Request certified copies of key filings for any third parties (banks, title companies) that may hold estate assets.
• Document dates carefully. Many court remedies depend on what was filed and when.
• Be realistic about cost and time: contested probate matters can take months and require court hearings.
• Use court self‑help resources and forms, but consider an attorney to review court papers before filing contested petitions or objections.
• Local probate courts have self‑help centers and often provide form packets and calendar information — check the county court website.
• If the issue is urgent (assets at risk, a PR dissipating estate property), ask the court for an emergency hearing or temporary orders.