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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 San Francisco 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.

San Francisco County Probate Court Guide

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

(415) 551-3892County Clerk
Family Guide
Professional Reference
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco|E-Filing Required|
E-File
Jump to:FeesDocumentsFilingDeadlinesHearingsGuardianship

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. San Francisco follows statewide fee schedule.

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. San Francisco follows statewide fee schedule.

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

  • Confidential Statement of Birth Date and Driver's License Number(DE-147S)

    San Francisco requires confidential supplement with cover page

  • 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

Source ↗
E-filing is mandatory
File & ServeXpress (multiple vendors available)Probate Forms
Filing Methods: in person, e file

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
San Francisco Examiner
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: San Francisco Daily Journal, Asian Week, El Reportero

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

Court Calendar Tentative Rulings

Typical wait: 4-8 weeks

Hearing Types

Probate Matters (Estates, Trusts, Motions)
Petitions for Appointment of Guardian
Petitions for Appointment of Conservator
Mental Health Conservatorship
Ex Parte (Appearance)
Ex Parte (Non-Appearance)
Law and Motion

Related Proceedings

Property Recording

Source ↗

Recording Fees

First Page
$25.00
Additional Pages
$3.00
Records Search

Guardianship

Guardianship is a court proceeding for adults who are not a child's parents to get custody of the child.

Filing Fees

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

Guardian makes decisions about child's care, welfare, and education

guardianship of estate

Guardian manages child's property and finances

Court Rules & Orders

Local Rules

  • Mandatory e-filing for Probate Guardianship and Conservatorship cases effective July 1, 2024
  • Self-represented parties exempt from mandatory e-filing but encouraged to file electronically
  • Documents must be submitted per San Francisco Superior Court Local Rule 14.59 for Probate Trust cases
  • Remote appearances available via Zoom for Department 204
  • Tentative rulings available by phone 1-3 days before hearing
  • GC-325 Confidential Declaration required with all conservatorship petitions
Sources (8)

San Francisco County Probate Statistics →

Compare filing fees, e-filing status, and deadline signals for this county in a faster lookup view.

California Probate Forms →

Move from local reference research into the state forms and petition workflow.

Information current as of January 7, 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.