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California Probate Forms Finder

Find the forms you need based on your situation. California uses Judicial Council forms (DE series) that are the same statewide. Use the form finder with county filing-office instructions, source links, and supporting records before you file.

Some courts may have local supplemental forms. Check with your local Superior Court.

California Probate Forms by Situation

Search for the form number (e.g., 'DE-111') on the California Courts website or visit your local court's self-help center.

Find Forms By Your Situation

Official Resources

Search for the form number (e.g., 'DE-111') on the California Courts website or visit your local court's self-help center.

California Courts - Probate Forms

Official Judicial Council probate forms (DE series)

California Courts Self-Help Center

Step-by-step guidance for probate procedures

California DMV

Vehicle title transfer information

Important Notes

  • -All Judicial Council forms are free to download from courts.ca.gov
  • -Filing fees are set statewide by the California Legislature
  • -Most courts offer self-help centers to assist with form completion
  • -eFiling is available in most counties (some require it for attorneys)
  • -Forms must be the current version - check for updates before filing
  • -Petition for Final Distribution and Order for Final Distribution are prepared on pleading paper, not Judicial Council forms

Sources: California Courts Probate Forms | California Probate Code

You've seen what probate involves. Here's how to spare your own family.

A few simple steps (naming beneficiaries, a transfer-on-death deed where your state allows it, or a living trust) can keep your estate out of court.

See how to avoid probate in California

How to Use California Probate Forms

Some courts may have local supplemental forms. Check with your local Superior Court.

The form finder groups records such as Small Estate Affidavit, Affidavit re Real Property of Small Value, Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence, Spousal Property Petition so you can start with the likely procedure rather than one isolated form number.

Use source links such as California Courts - Probate Forms, California Courts Self-Help Center, California DMV to locate official forms and verify which documents belong in the packet.

Before you file: quick checks

Choose the filing path

Common filing paths in this data include Small Estate Affidavit (Prob. Code § 13100), Affidavit re Real Property of Small Value + Small Estate Affidavit, Petition to Determine Succession to Primary Residence, Spousal Property Petition. Match the estate facts to the correct path before preparing forms.

Verify the county packet

Check the county Superior Court probate department or local filing-office instructions for coversheets, copy rules, appointments, fees, and filing methods.

Pull supporting records first

Collect the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset values, deed or title records, heir and beneficiary details, and creditor information before filling out the packet.

All Judicial Council forms are

All Judicial Council forms are free to download from courts.ca.gov

Filing fees are set statewide

Filing fees are set statewide by the California Legislature

Most courts offer self-help centers

Most courts offer self-help centers to assist with form completion

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get California probate forms?
Start with California Courts - Probate Forms, California Courts Self-Help Center, California DMV. Then verify local county instructions before you file, because packet rules, copy requirements, fees, and filing methods can vary.
How do I know which California probate form I need?
Start with the filing path, not the form number. The right packet depends on will status, asset type and value, creditor issues, heirs or beneficiaries, and whether a simplified procedure fits.
Can I file California probate forms without an attorney?
Some paths may allow self-filing, but the answer still depends on the estate, the county office, disputes, real estate, creditors, and tax facts. Verify the county rules and get legal help when rights or strategy are unclear.
What should I gather before filling out California probate forms?
Gather the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset and debt lists, deed or title records, beneficiary records, and names and addresses for heirs or beneficiaries.

California Official Forms and Sources

California Courts Probate Forms - California Courts Probate Forms. Accessed 2026-01-14.
California Probate Code - California Probate Code. Accessed 2026-01-14.
California Courts Self-Help Center - California Courts Self-Help Center. Accessed 2026-01-14.
California DMV - California DMV. Accessed 2026-01-14.

Information current as of January 9, 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.

More California Resources

Explore the rest of the California probate hub.