California Probate Resources

Official Agencies, Courts, Forms, and Reference Tools

This addendum provides a centralized reference to official government and court-operated resources commonly used during the California probate process.

Scope Reminder: Probate procedures, required forms, and available resources vary by county and by the circumstances of each estate. The resources listed below are commonly used but are not exhaustive. Always confirm requirements with the appropriate court or agency.

California Probate Courts

Probate matters are handled by the Superior Court in the county where the decedent resided at the time of death.

Find Your County Court:
https://www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm

  • Locate probate filing locations
  • Review local probate rules
  • Access court calendars
  • Find clerk contact information

Judicial Council of California

The Judicial Council oversees California court procedures and publishes all official probate forms and statewide guidance.

https://www.courts.ca.gov

Official California Probate Forms

All probate forms used statewide are maintained by the Judicial Council.

https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm

  • DE-111 — Petition for Probate
  • DE-121 — Notice of Petition to Administer Estate
  • DE-147 — Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative
  • DE-150 — Letters Testamentary / Letters of Administration
  • DE-160 / DE-161 — Inventory and Appraisal
  • DE-172 — Creditor’s Claim
  • DE-200 — Petition for Final Distribution

Always confirm that you are using the most current form version.

Probate Referees

Probate referees are court-appointed professionals who appraise certain estate assets, including real estate and closely held business interests.

https://www.courts.ca.gov/probatereferees.htm

Tax and Government Agencies

California Franchise Tax Board (FTB)

https://www.ftb.ca.gov

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

https://www.irs.gov

California Department of Public Health — Vital Records

https://www.cdph.ca.gov

Property and Real Estate Records

  • County Recorder Offices — deeds and ownership records
  • County Assessor Offices — assessed values and property tax records

Professional Support

Depending on the estate, families may work with:

  • Probate attorneys
  • Certified public accountants (CPAs)
  • Probate referees
  • Real estate professionals experienced in probate matters

California Superior Court Probate Directory

For a county-by-county list of California probate courts, including addresses, phone numbers, and filing notes, see:

Addendum F-1: California Superior Court Probate Directory →

Final Reminder

  • Probate rules vary by county
  • Forms and procedures change over time
  • Always verify requirements with the court
  • This guide is informational and not legal advice