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California · Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin

San Joaquin County Superior Court probate department Guide

Superior Court probate department information · Updated January 2026

Settling an estate while grieving is hard. This page takes it one step at a time, and free local help is listed below.

$435+
Court filing fee
30 days
To deposit the will
4 months
Creditor claims, from notice
(209) 992-5696
Filing office phone
Independent guide · Verified January 2026 · Probate Division - Superior Court of California, County of San JoaquinSources (5)

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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.

Immediate Actions

The first days

First: Get Death Certificates

Required for everything

San Joaquin County Recorder-County Clerk

Cost: $/copy
Get: 10 copies
Online: Available
Order Online
Office info
Address: 44 N. San Joaquin Street, Suite 260, Stockton, CA 95202
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM (Vital Records); 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (General)

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)

Required by Law

First 30 days
30 days

Deposit the Will

Original will should be delivered to the clerk of the superior court in the county where the decedent resided at time of death. (California Probate Code section 8200)

Cost: Free
Where: San Joaquin Superior Court Clerk
Clerk Website

Creditor claim window

Creditors generally have 4 months from date of first publication of notice to creditors to bring claims against the estate. (California Probate Code sections 9100-9103)

Notify Key Parties

  • Banks and credit card companies (to prevent unauthorized use)
  • Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213)
  • Employer (if applicable) for final paycheck and benefits

Assess Your Situation

Before filing anything

Which probate type is right for you?

1

Small estate? If the estate is worth less than the California small-estate limit (shown on the options below), you may qualify for simplified procedures.

2

Is there a valid will? If yes, you'll file for probate with will. If no will exists, it's intestate probate.

3

Complex assets? Business interests, real estate in multiple states, or contested claims may require formal probate.

Select a probate type below to see specific requirements and costs.

Which applies to your situation?

Not sure? Use the free checker at the top of this page - you don't have to decide this alone.

Simplified procedure for small estates. Affidavit submitted directly to institutions holding property to transfer assets without court involvement.

  • Total gross estate value must be $208,850 or less
  • At least 40 days must have passed since date of death
  • No probate case pending in California
  • Affidavit signed by all successors/beneficiaries
Qualifies:
$208,850 or less (as of April 1, 2025)
Attorney:
not required by law, though many families use one

Documents you'll need:

  • Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (can be custom or form)
  • Certified Death Certificate
  • Proof of identity

Petition to court to transfer decedent's principal residence without full probate.

  • Property must be decedent's principal California residence
  • Property value must be $750,000 or less
  • At least 40 days must have passed since date of death
Qualifies:
$750,000 (decedent's principal residence only, as of April 1, 2025)
Filing fee:
$435
source
Attorney:
not required by law, though many families use one

New threshold effective April 1, 2025 per Assembly Bill 2016

Petition for disposition of community property without administration. Faster and simpler than full probate when surviving spouse is entitled to all community property.

  • Decedent was survived by spouse or registered domestic partner
  • Property is entirely community property or quasi-community property
  • No probate pending
  • Spouse files petition with affidavit (Form DE-221)
Qualifies:
Surviving spouse receives community property
Filing fee:
$435
source
Attorney:
not required by law, though many families use one

Documents you'll need:

  • Spousal or Domestic Partner Property Petition (DE-221)
  • Certified Death Certificate
  • Proof of marriage/domestic partnership

Probate is the court-supervised process by which someone's assets are distributed and debts are paid after their death.

  • Decedent must have resided in California at time of death, or owned property in California
  • Personal representative appointed to administer estate
  • Notice to creditors and beneficiaries required
  • Inventory and appraisal of estate assets by probate referee
  • Annual accounting if administration exceeds 1 year
Qualifies:
Estates over $208,850 (as of April 1, 2025)
Filing fee:
$435
source
Typical duration:
9-18 months
Attorney:
not required by law, though many families use one

Documents you'll need:

  • Petition for Probate (DE-111)
  • Certified Death Certificate
  • Original Will (if any)
  • Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (DE-121)
  • Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (DE-147)
  • Inventory and Appraisal (DE-160)
  • Notice of Administration to Creditors (DE-157)
  • Final Accounting and Petition for Distribution

File for Probate

Where to file, forms & fees

Where to File

Office: Probate Division - Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin
Address: 315 W Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240
How: in person, e file
Get Forms E-File Online

Free Filing Help Available

San Joaquin County Superior Court Self-Help/Pro Per Clinic can help you understand forms and filing requirements at no cost.

Visit Self-Help Center

Other Topics That May Apply

Property & Real Estate

Property transfer after death, recording

Transfer on Death Deed (Avoids Probate)

Deed that transfers real property to named beneficiary automatically at owner's death without probate

Proposition 19 (Property Tax)

Greatly changed parent-child property tax transfer rules

San Joaquin County Recorder-County Clerk

Website
San Joaquin County Assessor Website

San Joaquin County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Tax Collector Tax Search

Guardianship

For minor children or incapacitated adults

The judge gives someone that may or may not be the child's parent custody of the child or the right to control the child's property, or both.

See the full California guardianship and conservatorship guide for the court process, alternatives, and costs.

Types of Guardianship

  • Guardian of Person: Guardian provides physical care for the minor
  • Guardian of Estate: Guardian manages the minor's property and finances
Person Only
$435
Estate
$435

Vehicle Title Transfer

Retitle or transfer the deceased's vehicle. Office, forms, fees.

When a California vehicle owner dies, the title must be transferred to the new owner. The process depends on whether the vehicle was titled jointly, has a surviving spouse, or must go through probate.

Transfer scenarios

Joint Ownership with Right of Survivorship ('OR' on title)

Documents needed:

  • Original certificate of title signed by surviving owner
  • Completed REG 343 application
  • Valid ID of surviving owner
  • Payment of transfer fee
  • Smog certification (if required)

If the title reads 'Owner A or Owner B', the surviving owner can transfer the title by signing the title and submitting the required forms. No probate required.

Joint Ownership ('AND' on title)

Documents needed:

  • Original certificate of title
  • Certified copy of death certificate
  • Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
  • Completed REG 343 application
  • Valid ID
  • Payment of fees
  • Smog certification (if required)

If the title reads 'Owner A and Owner B', the estate must go through probate before the vehicle can be transferred, unless the estate qualifies for small estate procedures.

Sole Ownership (Probate Required)

Documents needed:

  • Original certificate of title (if available)
  • Certified copy of death certificate
  • Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
  • Court Order of Distribution (if applicable)
  • Completed REG 343 application
  • Valid ID of personal representative or heir
  • Payment of fees
  • Smog certification (if required)

Vehicles titled solely in the deceased's name typically require probate. The Personal Representative must obtain court appointment before transferring the vehicle.

Surviving Spouse (Community Property Vehicle)

Documents needed:

  • Original certificate of title
  • Certified copy of death certificate
  • Certified copy of marriage certificate
  • Affidavit of Surviving Spouse
  • Completed REG 343 application
  • Valid ID
  • Payment of fees
  • Smog certification (if required)

A surviving spouse may be able to transfer a community property vehicle without probate. The spouse signs the title and provides documentation of the marriage and death.

California is a community property state - vehicles acquired during marriage are presumed community property.

Forms

  • Application for Title or Registration(REG 343)
  • Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate - California Titled Vehicle or Vessels Only(REG 5)(Used when estate qualifies for small estate transfer)
  • Statement of Facts(REG 256)(May be required to explain circumstances)
  • Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (includes odometer)(REG 262)(Required for odometer disclosure on vehicles under 20 years old)

Fees

title transfer fee$25
use taxBased on vehicle value (may be exempt for transfers between family members)
registration feesVaries - based on vehicle value and county
smog transfer fee$8
smog certificate feeVaries by station, typically $30-$80

Fees subject to change. Check DMV website for current fees.

Small-estate vehicle transfer

California Vehicle Code 5910 allows transfer of a vehicle without probate when the total value of the decedent's estate in California does not exceed $208,850 (as of April 1, 2025).

Threshold: $208,850

The $208,850 threshold is the same as the Probate Code small estate limit and adjusts periodically.

Lost or duplicate title

If the original title is lost, destroyed, or stolen

Submit completed REG 227 with ID and fee to DMV. If there is a lienholder, they may need to request the duplicate.

Form:Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title(REG 227)

Fee: $25

If there is a lienholder on record, they may need to be involved in requesting the duplicate title.

Helpful resources

Statewide forms and steps live in the vehicle title transfer guide. If the title cannot be found, see selling a car without a title.

Vehicle sources (1)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does probate cost in San Joaquin County?
Probate filing fees in San Joaquin County, California vary by the type of administration. The court filing fee shown on this page is $435+; confirm current amounts with the Superior Court probate department before filing.
How long does probate take in San Joaquin County?
Timelines depend on the probate procedure, the court, and whether notice or publication is required. Simplified procedures can range from a few weeks to several months, while full administration often takes 6-12 months or longer.
Do I need an attorney for probate in San Joaquin County?
Attorney requirements depend on the type of administration and your specific situation. Consider talking with a probate attorney before filing or making legal decisions.

More California Resources

Explore the rest of the California probate hub.

Do I need probate?5 pages
For the executor5 pages
Money and taxes5 pages
Family and inheritance5 pages
Transfer assets5 pages
File and learn5 pages

Verified against Probate Division - Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin on January 7, 2026

Settled Estate is not a law firm, and 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.