ProbateUS
Probate Court

Santa Cruz County

California

(831) 420-2200

Phone

(831) 420-2200

Website

Official Site →

Email

civilinfo@santacruzcourt.org

In Santa Cruz County, California, you file a probate case with the Santa Cruz County probate court at 701 Ocean Street, Room 110, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. You can reach the court at (831) 420-2200. Below you'll find 1 filing fee, 74 downloadable forms and the office hours.

Court details last updated

Court Location & Contact

Address

701 Ocean Street, Room 110, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Santa Cruz County, California

Fee TypeAmount
Petition for Probate$435

Judges & Officers

SK
Syda K. Cogliati
RC
Rebecca Connolly
Nd
Nancy de la Peña
DG
Denine Guy
KH
Katherine Hansen
LS
Leila Sayar
TS
Timothy Schmal
JS
Jordan Sheinbaum
SS
Stephen Siegel
MT
Mandy Tovar
JV
Jerry Vinluan
EZ
Erika Ziegenhorn

Required Forms

Petition for Probate (DE-111)Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (DE-121)

Probate Forms Library

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

Every Santa Cruz Countyform, with a short summary and the official source →
1041 — Supcv-1041countyDownload
Supfl-1088countyDownload
Suppr-1070countyDownload
Suppr-501countyDownload
Suppr-502countyDownload
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

How to eFileformsConservatorship Handbook and VideootherConservatorship Directory of Community ResourcesotherQuick E-File Guiderules

How Probate Works in Santa Cruz County

Probate in Santa Cruz County, California

The Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz County

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

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

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz County probate court

Additional Notes

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death. The Probate Division is located within the main courthouse complex. Filings can be made in person at the Clerk's Office during business hours or electronically.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Common Questions

Where do I file for probate in Santa Cruz County, CA?

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

How much does probate cost in Santa Cruz County?

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

Probate Attorneys

The closest we list to this court

Michael Desmarais

Law Offices of Michael G. Desmarais

Los Gatos · 18 mi

Patrick Kohlmann

Temmerman, Cilley, Kohlmann & Norcia, LLP

San Jose · 24 mi

Robert (Bob) Temmerman

Temmerman, Cilley, Kohlmann & Norcia, LLP

San Jose · 24 mi

Fiduciary LitigationGeneral Trust & Estate+1

Richard (Rich) Gorini

Gorini & Gorini, LLP

San Jose · 25 mi

General Trust & EstateFiduciary Litigation+1

J. Timothy (Tim) Maximoff

Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel, Inc.

San Jose · 26 mi

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

Related Resources

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