My father, who lived in California, has just passed away. I don't know if the estate is worth $100k, so it may not have to go through probate. I do not trust the executor. How can I be sure that I will be informed as to the reading of the will or the contents? I do not live in California, and could not fly out for a reading of the will. What are my options?

Also, is it true that in the state of California, a relative cannot sign as a witness to a will? Would this be enough to void the will?

There is no "reading of the will" like you see in the movies. A will is public record (I think... if memory serves from my parents) so, you can request a copy to make sure its being followed.

Don't know about the witness thing.

I believe a relative can witness a will but not a beneficiary.

If the will is not probated then there will be no publc record. A "reading of the will" is generally done only large estates.