My mother passed away with out a will she was in California with me her only child when she died she ows a house in NYC all paid for How do I proceed in changing the name on the deed to mine

Have you consulted with an Attorney and determined whether the estate needs to be admitted to probate?

No I have not I am the only heir living

You need to file for probate of her estate naming you the sole heir and beneficiary. Once probate is approved and the estate settled you can transfer the deed to your name.

Thank You for you help I do that with the probate court here in NYC with a death certicate from Ca where she died I was trying to do this with out hire a Lawyer if possible is this where I start & do I need a lawyer or not

I also was wonder if probate is necessary the house is paid for & all taxes up to date