Skip to main content

California Superior Court Probate Directory

Find the Superior Court or probate filing office for California estate filings, county venue checks, local packet questions, and county page details.

Search for Your County

California probate filings usually start in the Superior Court probate department for the proper county. Use the county court source before preparing Petition for Probate forms, hearing steps, probate notes, local rules, or e-filing instructions.

Need statewide forms and rules? See the California probate resource map.

58
Counties Covered
Free
No Account Needed
What You’ll FindThe address, phone, website, and hours fields on each county page (where available)

Court Address

Physical location of the probate court

Phone Numbers

Contact the clerk's office directly

Website Links

Official court websites and e-filing

Office Hours

When the court is open for filing

Browse All California Counties

File in the county where the person lived. Find that county below.

Find a probate attorney in California

Connect with a probate attorney through your state's certified Lawyer Referral Service. Browse the certified directory to find one near you.

State Bar of California certified Lawyer Referral Services

Settled Estate is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.

Need Help With Your California Probate?

Start with the state probate guide and county court directory before choosing a filing path.

Read the California Probate GuideView Probate Forms
Tips for Contacting the CourtWhat to have ready and what to ask before you call or visit

Before You Call

  • •Have the decedent's full name, date of death, and last California address ready
  • •Know whether there is an original will, codicil, trust, or no-will estate
  • •List any California county where the decedent lived or owned real estate
  • •Write down whether you are asking about letters, a small-estate path, original-will filing, or Superior Court packet requirements

What to Ask

  • •Which Superior Court or county office should handle this estate?
  • •Does the office require an appointment, mailed packet, e-filing, or in-person filing?
  • •Which California forms and local packet pages should I use?
  • •What are the current filing fee, certified-copy fee, and payment options?
  • •How should I present the original will and certified death certificate?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the probate filing office for my county in California?
Start with the county where the decedent lived or where the probate case will be filed. This directory helps you identify the local Superior Court, clerk, register, or county office that handles estate matters.
What should I ask the California probate filing office before filing?
Ask which Superior Court or county office should handle the estate, which forms and local packet pages apply, whether appointments or e-filing are available, how to present the original will and certified death certificate, and what fees are due.
Can county probate procedures differ within California?
Yes. Even where statewide law is similar, counties can vary on local forms, clerk instructions, scheduling, e-filing, and document handling. Always verify local procedure before you submit a case.
What do I need before I call the probate filing office?
Have the decedent’s name, county of residence, date of death, and a rough sense of whether there is a will, real estate, or a small-estate option available. That makes clerk guidance much more useful.

Information current as of May 14, 2026

Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in California can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.

You've seen what probate involves. Here's how to spare your own family.

A few simple steps (naming beneficiaries, a transfer-on-death deed where your state allows it, or a living trust) can keep your estate out of court.

See how to avoid probate in California

More California Resources

Explore the rest of the California probate hub.

Do I need probate?4 pages
Costs and money5 pages
File for probate1 page
Transfer assets4 pages
Learn and reference5 pages