ProbateUS
Probate Court

San Diego County

California

(619) 844-2676

Phone

(619) 844-2676

Website

Official Site →

Email

centralprobateexaminernotes@sdcourt.ca.gov

Court Location & Contact

Address

1100 Union Street, 3rd Floor, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

San Diego County, California

Fee TypeAmount
Petition for Probate$435

Probate Forms Library

101 fillable forms — scroll to browse

W-9 — ANCILLARY SERVICES REQUEST FORMCounty of San DiegocountyDownload
PR149 — Annual Declaration Re Waiver Of AccountingscountyDownload
PR121C — Confidential Financial Statement CoversheetcountyDownload
PKT041 — Fee Waiver Packet Guardianships And ConservatorshipscountyDownload
Glossary of words commonly used in ProbatePDFcountyDownload
PR098 — Order (Guardianship)countyDownload
PR-193 — PR-193 General Information for Self-Represented LitigantsSan Diego Superior CourtcountyDownload
PR189 — Request for Copies (Probate)PDFcountyDownload
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGOSan Diego Superior CourtcountyDownload
PR132 — View PDFcountyDownload
PKT057 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR062 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR202 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR195 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR191 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR201 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR197 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR203 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR194 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR196 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR198 — View PDFcountyDownload
PKT037 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR-132 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR190 — View PDFcountyDownload
PKT030 — View PDFcountyDownload
PKT012 — View PDFcountyDownload
PKT045 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR083 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR157 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR186 — View PDFcountyDownload
PR096A — View PDFcountyDownload
PR097 — View PDFcountyDownload
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

San Diego Superior Court Fee SchedulePDFfeesRequest for Copies (Probate)PDFformsView PDFformsGlossary of words commonly used in ProbatePDFother

Probate Guide

Probate in San Diego County, California

The San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego County

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

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

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the San Diego 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

Probate Examiners available by phone 10:00-10:30 AM. Phone hours 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Monday-Friday.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

FAQ

Where do I file for probate in San Diego County, CA?

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

How much does probate cost in San Diego County?

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

Probate Attorneys

Closest to this court, California

Brian Tsu

Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP

San Diego · < 1 mi

Business PlanningFiduciary Income Tax Planning+2

Ralph Hughes

Hughes & Pizzuto, APC

San Diego · < 1 mi

General Trust & EstateAlternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)+1

S. Andrew (Andy) Pharies

Duane Morris LLP

San Diego · < 1 mi

Shirley Kovar

Kovar Trust and Estate Law

Coronado · 3 mi

Adam Hirsch

University of San Diego School of Law

San Diego · 4 mi

See more attorneys near San Diego County →

Related Resources

California Probate Guide →All California Courts →Financial Institutions →