San Francisco County Probate Guide
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco · Updated January 2026
(415) 551-3892County Clerk
Family Guide
Professional Reference
Feeling overwhelmed?
Free help is available in San Francisco County.
Not sure if you need probate?
Many estates can avoid probate entirely. Assets with beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and trust assets may pass automatically without court involvement.
First: Get Death Certificates
Required for everythingSan Francisco Office of Vital Records
Cost:$/copy
Get:10 copies
Online:Available
Secure the Property
- Lock the residence and secure valuable items
- Forward mail to a responsible family member
- Make a list of what you find (don't throw anything away yet)
Locate Important Documents
Will or trust documents
Property deeds
Bank/investment statements
Insurance policies
Vehicle titles
Tax returns (last 3 years)
Related Topics
Sources (8)
- https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org/
- https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org/divisions/probate-court
- https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org/divisions/probate-court/wills-and-decedents-estates
- https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org/access-legal-self-help-center
- https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org/online-services/e-filing
- https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org/divisions/probate-court/probate-pro-bono-mediation-program
- https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate
- https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm?filter=DE