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Use This County Probate Reference Before You File

This page is built for the detailed county-level checks that generic probate guides usually miss: local filing fees, clerk contact details, administrative orders, e-filing rules, and hearing logistics for Riverside County.

Local Fee Schedule

Review county-specific probate filing charges before you estimate total case cost.

Court Rules and Orders

Check the local rules, judge procedures, and administrative orders that can change how a case moves.

Clerk and Filing Logistics

Confirm where to file, whether e-filing is allowed, and how hearings or notices are handled locally.

Riverside County Probate Court Guide

Superior Court of California, County of Riverside probate court information · Updated January 2026

(951) 777-3147County Clerk
Family Guide
Professional Reference
Superior Court of California, County of Riverside|

Filing & Fees

Complete Fee Schedule

Source ↗

Probate Filing Fees

Filing TypeFee
Petition for Probate
Standard probate filing fee
$435
Small Estate Affidavit
For estates under threshold (no court filing needed)
$0
Spousal Property Petition
Transfer community property to surviving spouse
$435
Real Property Petition
Transfer real property without full probate
$435

Accepted Payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card, Money Order

Note: Fees set by California Uniform Civil Fee Schedule. $2.00 eSubmit transaction fee for non-exempt submissions.

Document Fees

Certified Copy (per page)
$1
Certification (per document)
$2
Payment Methods: Cash, Check, Credit Card, Money Order

Fees set by California Uniform Civil Fee Schedule. $2.00 eSubmit transaction fee for non-exempt submissions.

Required Documents

  • Petition for Probate(DE-111)

    Judicial Council form - starts probate case

  • Notice of Petition to Administer Estate(DE-121)

    Must be mailed/served to heirs and beneficiaries

  • Death Certificate

    Certified copy required. Order 10-15 copies.

  • Original Will (if exists)

    Original will must be filed with court

  • Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative(DE-147)

    Must be signed by personal representative

  • Inventory and Appraisal(DE-160)

    Due within 4 months of appointment. Probate referee appraises non-cash assets.

  • Notice of Administration to Creditors(DE-157)
  • Petition for Probate(DE-111)

    Judicial Council form - starts probate case

  • Notice of Petition to Administer Estate(DE-121)

    Must be mailed/served to heirs and beneficiaries

  • Death Certificate

    Certified copy required. Order 10-15 copies.

  • Original Will (if exists)

    Original will must be filed with court

  • Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative(DE-147)

    Must be signed by personal representative

  • Inventory and Appraisal(DE-160)

    Due within 4 months of appointment. Probate referee appraises non-cash assets.

  • Notice of Administration to Creditors(DE-157)

E-Filing & Filing Methods

Filing Methods: in person, eSubmit

Timelines & Proceedings

Deadlines & Creditor Claims

Key Deadlines

Will Deposit
30 days
Creditor Claims
4 months
Known Creditor Notice
30 days

Creditor Claims

Period Starts
date of first publication of notice to creditors
Statute
California Probate Code sections 9100-9103

Publication Requirements

Notice to Creditors

Newspaper
The Press-Enterprise
Duration
Once a week for 3 successive weeks
Deadline
Within 30 days after letters issued
Est. Cost
Varies by newspaper and county - typically $150-$400

Alternatives: Desert Sun (Coachella Valley), Riverside County Record, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Notice of Petition/Administration

Must be sent within 15 days to:

  • All heirs named in will
  • All intestate heirs (if no will)
  • Spouse or domestic partner

Hearing Scheduling

Typical wait: 4-8 weeks

Hearing Types

Probate Hearing (Petition for Probate)
Duration: 15-30 minutes · Attends: Petitioner, Attorney if any, Objecting parties if any
Final Distribution Hearing
Duration: 15-30 minutes · Attends: Personal Representative, Beneficiaries (optional), Attorney if any

Related Proceedings

Property Recording

Source ↗

Recording Fees

First Page
$25.00
Additional Pages
$3.00

Guardianship

A guardianship is a court case in which a person who is not the parent of a child asks for custody of the child, the power to manage the child's property, or both.

Filing Fees

Person Only
$435
Property/Estate
$435
guardianship of person

Guardian provides physical care for the minor

guardianship of estate

Guardian manages the minor's property and finances

Information current as of January 14, 2026

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.