The bank and/or insurance/pension company told me I need Letters to access the decedent's money. What do I do?

You may not need need Letters, if the value is $166,250 or less. Instead, you may complete a Declaration for Collection of Property Without Probate (PR-132). This is not a Court procedure. It must be at least 40 days since the date of death. This cannot be used to transfer real property (land or buildings). All persons entitled to receive assets must sign the affidavit and the signatures must be notarized. For more information, see Prob. Code §13100.