California Probate Forms: Complete DE-Series List
California probate forms list. Find DE-series forms for petitions, notices, inventories, accountings, and distributions.
California probate involves numerous forms, most in the DE (Decedents Estates) series. Knowing which forms you need at each stage helps you prepare for the process and understand what your attorney is doing.
This guide provides a complete list of California probate forms organized by purpose.
Starting Probate
Petition for Probate
DE-111: Petition for Probate The main form to open a probate case. Used to request appointment as personal representative and submit the will to the court.
DE-111(A): Attachment to Petition for Probate Additional pages for listing heirs and beneficiaries when DE-111 does not have enough space.
Notice of Petition
DE-121: Notice of Hearing (Probate) Notifies heirs and beneficiaries of the hearing date for the Petition for Probate.
DE-120: Notice of Petition to Administer Estate Published in a newspaper to notify creditors and the public that probate has been filed.
Related Documents
DE-122: Proof of Service by Mail (Probate) Proves that you mailed required notices to interested parties.
DE-125: Notification of Filing of Petition to Administer Decedent's Estate Sent to the State Director of Health Care Services (for Medi-Cal recovery purposes).
Appointment and Letters
Letters
DE-140: Order for Probate Court order appointing the personal representative.
DE-142: Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative Form acknowledging that the personal representative understands their duties.
DE-147: Letters Testamentary (or Letters of Administration) The official document authorizing the personal representative to act on behalf of the estate. Financial institutions and others require certified copies.
Bond Forms
DE-143: Order Prescribing Notice (Probate) Court order specifying bond requirements.
DE-146: Letters (Probate) Alternative form for letters in some courts.
Inventory and Appraisal
DE-160: Inventory and Appraisal Lists all estate assets and their values. Must be filed within four months of appointment.
DE-161: Inventory and Appraisal Attachment Additional pages for listing assets.
DE-162: Notice of Administration to Creditors (Attachment) Lists additional creditors when the main form has insufficient space.
DE-165: Notice of Proposed Action Notifies interested parties of actions the personal representative intends to take under independent administration (IAEA).
DE-166: Objection to Proposed Action Used by beneficiaries to object to a proposed action.
Creditor Claims
DE-157: Notice of Administration to Creditors Mailed to known creditors to inform them of the probate proceeding and deadline to file claims.
DE-172: Creditor's Claim Form for creditors to submit claims against the estate.
DE-174: Allowance or Rejection of Creditor's Claim Used by the personal representative to approve or reject creditor claims.
Spousal Property Petition
DE-221: Spousal or Domestic Partner Property Petition Allows surviving spouse to transfer community property without full probate.
DE-226: Spousal or Domestic Partner Property Order Court order confirming the transfer under the spousal property petition.
Small Estate Procedures
DE-305: Affidavit Re: Real Property of Small Value For estates with small amounts of real property (under old threshold). Note: The new real property petition under AB 2016 may use different forms.
DE-310: Petition for Succession to Real Property Used to transfer a primary residence valued under $750,000 without full probate (effective April 2025).
Accountings
DE-180: Petition for Final Distribution Requests court approval to close the estate and distribute assets to beneficiaries.
DE-181: Attachment to Petition for Final Distribution Additional pages for detailed distribution plans.
DE-182: Inventory and Appraisal (Supplemental) Filed if additional assets are discovered after the initial inventory.
DE-250: Waiver of Account Allows beneficiaries to waive the requirement for a formal accounting.
DE-251: Approval of Waiver of Account Court approval of the waiver.
Family Allowance and Exempt Property
DE-144: Order Setting Probate Family Allowance Court order granting ongoing support to the surviving spouse and dependent children.
DE-145: Petition for Allowance for Family Maintenance During Probate Requests family allowance from the estate during probate.
Special Proceedings
DE-175: Request for Special Notice Allows an interested party to receive copies of all filings in the case.
DE-176: Notice of Entry of Order Notifies parties that an order has been entered.
DE-177: Application for Reasonable Burial Expenses Requests payment for funeral and burial costs from the estate.
Final Distribution and Closing
DE-295: Report of Sale and Petition for Confirmation Used when selling real property without full IAEA authority and court confirmation is required.
DE-350: Status Report Updates the court on the progress of estate administration.
DE-360: Request for Discharge and Order Asks the court to release the personal representative from duties after the estate is closed.
Forms Quick Reference by Stage
Opening the Estate
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DE-111 | Petition for Probate |
| DE-121 | Notice of Hearing |
| DE-120 | Published Notice |
| DE-122 | Proof of Service |
| DE-147 | Letters Testamentary |
During Administration
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DE-160/161 | Inventory and Appraisal |
| DE-157 | Notice to Creditors |
| DE-165 | Notice of Proposed Action |
| DE-172 | Creditor's Claim |
| DE-174 | Claim Allowance/Rejection |
Closing the Estate
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DE-180/181 | Petition for Final Distribution |
| DE-250 | Waiver of Account |
| DE-360 | Request for Discharge |
Where to Find the Forms
California Courts Website
All Judicial Council forms are available free at: selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/jcc-forms
Search by form number (e.g., "DE-111") to find and download.
County Court Websites
Many county Superior Courts provide local forms and instructions on their websites:
- Los Angeles: lacourt.org
- San Diego: sdcourt.ca.gov
- Orange: occourts.org
- San Francisco: sfsuperiorcourt.org
Local Requirements
Some counties have local forms or additional requirements. Check with the court clerk in the county where probate is filed.
Tips for Completing Forms
Read the Instructions
Most DE forms have accompanying instructions. The instructions explain what each field requires and common mistakes to avoid.
Use Black Ink
Courts require forms to be completed in black ink if handwritten.
Type When Possible
Typed forms are easier to read and less likely to cause delays.
Check for Updates
Forms are periodically revised. The California Courts website has the current versions. Look for the revision date in the lower left corner of each form.
Make Copies
Keep copies of everything you file. The court returns only a conformed copy, not the original.
Pay Attention to Deadlines
Many forms have filing deadlines. Missing a deadline can delay the probate or create liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DE form?
DE stands for "Decedents Estates." These are the California Judicial Council forms used in probate proceedings.
Do I have to use these exact forms?
Yes. California courts require the use of official Judicial Council forms where they exist. You cannot substitute your own versions.
Can I fill out the forms myself?
Yes. California does not require an attorney for probate. You can complete and file the forms yourself, though the process is complex.
Are there filing fees for each form?
The main petition (DE-111) has a $435 filing fee. Many subsequent filings do not have separate fees, though some do. Check with the court clerk.
What if I make a mistake on a form?
Minor errors can often be corrected by filing an amended form. Significant errors may require court approval to correct.
Related Guides
Sources:
- California Judicial Council Forms
- California Courts Self-Help Center (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
- California Probate Code
This guide provides general information about California probate forms. Form requirements may vary by county. Consult with a California probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.