ProbateUS
Probate Court

Monterey County

California

831-647-5800

Phone

831-647-5800

Website

Official Site →

Email

selfhelpcenter@monterey.courts.ca.gov

In Monterey County, California, you file a probate case with the Monterey County probate court at 1200 Aguajito Road, Monterey, CA 93940. You can reach the court at 831-647-5800. Below you'll find 1 filing fee, 70 downloadable forms and the office hours.

Court details last updated

Court Location & Contact

Address

1200 Aguajito Road, Monterey, CA 93940

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Monterey County, California

Fee TypeAmount
Petition for Probate$435

Probate Forms Library

70 fillable forms. Scroll the list to see them all.

Every Monterey Countyform, with a short summary and the official source →
Notice Of Motion And Motion For Simplified Modification Of OrdercountyDownload
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

2026 Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedulefees2024 State Civil Fee & Local Fee Schedule (Revised December 3, 2025)fees2025 Criminal Bail Schedulefees2025 Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedulefees2024 State Civil Fee & Local Fee Schedulefees2024 Criminal Bail Schedulefees2024 Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedulefees2023 Criminal Bail Schedulefees2023 Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedulefees

How Probate Works in Monterey County

Probate in Monterey County, California

The Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey County

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

  2. File a petition with the Monterey 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 Monterey County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Monterey 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.

Funeral homes near the Monterey County probate court

Additional Notes

Probate Court handles decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, trust cases and other miscellaneous protective proceedings. Probate hearings are held on Wednesdays in Department 13 at the Monterey Courthouse (3rd floor). The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Common Questions

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

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

How much does probate cost in Monterey County?

Probate filing fees in Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

The closest we list to this court

Yvonne Ascher

Noland Hamerly Etienne & Hoss

Monterey · < 1 mi

General Trust & EstateTestamentary Planning+1

Michael Desmarais

Law Offices of Michael G. Desmarais

Los Gatos · 44 mi

Patrick Kohlmann

Temmerman, Cilley, Kohlmann & Norcia, LLP

San Jose · 51 mi

Robert (Bob) Temmerman

Temmerman, Cilley, Kohlmann & Norcia, LLP

San Jose · 51 mi

Fiduciary LitigationGeneral Trust & Estate+1

J. Timothy (Tim) Maximoff

Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel, Inc.

San Jose · 51 mi

General Trust & EstateBusiness Planning+1
See more attorneys near Monterey County→

Related Resources

CaliforniaProbate Guide →All CaliforniaCourts →Monterey CountyProbate Forms →California executor fee calculator→California small estate checker→California creditor claim deadlines→Banks and Insurers to Notify →