ProbateUS
Probate Court

Madera County

California

559-416-5599

Phone

559-416-5599

Website

Official Site →

Email

portaladmin@madera.courts.ca.gov (for technical support with portal access only)

Court Location & Contact

Address

200 South G Street, Madera, CA 93637

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Madera County, California

Fee TypeAmount
Petition for Probate$435

Judges & Officers

DJ
Dale J. Blea
SC
Sosi C. Vogt
DL
D. Lynn Collet
MJ
Michael J. Jurkovich
EJ
Eric J. LiCalsi
BW
Brian W. Enos
KM
Katherine M. Rigby
MV
Miguel Valdovinos

Required Forms

Forms typically used in this department can be found on the California Courts website

Probate Forms Library

78 fillable forms — scroll to browse

CIV-012 — Application and Order for Publication, Posting (MAD-CIV-012)countyDownload
CIV-022 — Consent and Waiver of Statutory Notice (MAD-CIV-022)countyDownload
CIV-016 — Consent To Termination Of Guardianship And Waiver Of ServicecountyDownload
CIV-017 — Declaration Of Due Diligence And Request To Dispense With Notice (Guardianship)countyDownload
CRM-008 — Notice of Petition and Petition for Relief Per PC 1210(e)(1) (MAD-CRM-008)countyDownload
CIV-007 — Objection to Guardianship (MAD-CIV-007)countyDownload
CIV-015 — Petition for Visitation (Probate) (MAD-CIV-015)countyDownload
PC299 — Proof of Service: Petition for Expungement of DNA Profiles and Samples PC299 (MAD-CRM-021)countyDownload
CRM-015 — Request for Copy of Notice of Default and Sale (MAD-CRM-015)countyDownload
1041 — Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload
1041-T — Allocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload
1041 — Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload
SSA-4 — Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
SF 2800 — Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload
SF 3104 — Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload
Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload
SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload
706 — Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload
SSA-10 — Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
1041 — Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload
1041 — Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload
706-CE — Certification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload
FE6 — Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload
VA40-1330 — Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload
SF 2818 — Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload
FE7 — Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload
SF 2823 — Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload
FS 5336 — Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload
8855 — Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload
1041 — Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
706 — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload
8971 — Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload
56 — Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload
706-GS — Notification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload
1041-V — Payment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload
I-360 — Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload
2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload
FS 1455 — Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload
706 HAS — Request for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload
4810 — Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload
FS 1522 — Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload
SSA-721 — Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload
1310 — Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload
706-NA — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload
706-QDT — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload
1041 U — U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
1041-A — U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload
706-A — United States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload
706 UNITED — United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
709 — United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
DE-350 — Application for Letters of AdministrationstateDownload
GC-342 — Bond Order - ConservatorshipstateDownload
DE-172 — Creditor's ClaimstateDownload
DE-270 — Ex Parte Petition for Authority to Sell SecuritiesstateDownload
DE-275 — Ex Parte Petition for Securities OrderstateDownload
DE-154 — Filing of Bond on QualifyingstateDownload
DE-120-MA — Inventory and Appraisal Attachment (multi-asset)stateDownload
DE-120-P — Inventory and Appraisal Attachment (personal property)stateDownload
DE-120-PA — Inventory and Appraisal Attachment (personal/asset)stateDownload
GC-322 — Letters of ConservatorshipstateDownload
JV-213 — Letters of Guardianship of MinorstateDownload
GC-341-MA — Mental Health Treatment AuthorizationstateDownload
DE-125 — Notice of Hearing - Decedent's EstatestateDownload
DE-115 — Notice of Petition to Administer EstatestateDownload
DE-121-MA — Notice of Petition to Administer Estate AttachmentstateDownload
GC-310 — Order Appointing Probate ConservatorstateDownload
DE-315 — Order Determining Succession to Real PropertystateDownload
DE-351 — Order for Letters of AdministrationstateDownload
GC-100 — Petition for Appointment of Probate ConservatorstateDownload
GC-210-CA — Petition for Appointment of Probate Conservator (Capacity Declaration)stateDownload
DE-111-A3E — Petition for Probate Attachment 3estateDownload
DE-310 — Petition to Determine Succession to Real PropertystateDownload
DE-260 — Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real PropertystateDownload
DE-221 — Spousal or Domestic Partner Property PetitionstateDownload
DE-142 — Waiver of Bond by Heir or BeneficiarystateDownload

Court Documents & Links

2024 Statewide Civil Filing Fee Schedulefeeshereforms

Probate Guide

Probate in Madera County, California

The Madera County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Madera County, CA, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In California, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in California?

Probate is generally required when:

  • The deceased owned real estate solely in their name

  • The estate contains assets above California's small estate threshold

  • There are disputes among heirs or creditors

  • Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Madera County

  1. Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate

  2. File a petition with the Madera County Probate Court to open probate

  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by California law

  4. Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities

  5. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds

  6. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws

  7. Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In California, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While California does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Madera County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Madera County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

The Madera County Probate Court is a division of the Madera County Superior Court. Ex-parte hearings are heard in Departments 37, 40, 44, or 45 Monday-Friday at 8:15 AM. Madera Superior Court does not have a Probate Examiner on staff.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (filings at clerk's windows), 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (filings in available drop boxes)

FAQ

Where do I file for probate in Madera County, CA?

Probate petitions for estates in Madera County are filed at the Madera County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Madera County?

Probate filing fees in Madera County, California vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in California?

Probate in California typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Madera County?

While not always legally required in California, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in California, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Madera County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

Closest to this court, California

Robert (Bob) Sullivan

Fennemore Dowling Aaron

Fresno · 16 mi

Mark Poochigian

Baker Manock & Jensen PC

Fresno · 17 mi

Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)Fiduciary Litigation+3

Janet Wright

Wright Hawkins

Fresno · 18 mi

Ellen McKissock

Lathrop GPM LLP

San Jose · 104 mi

Charles (Chuck) Packer

Lathrop GPM LLP

San Jose · 104 mi

Business PlanningCharitable Planning+3
See more attorneys near Madera County →

Related Resources

California Probate Guide →All California Courts →Financial Institutions →