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Ventura County Probate Guide

Superior Court of California, County of Ventura · Updated January 2026

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Filing & Fees

Complete Fee Schedule

Source ↗

Probate Filing Fees

Filing TypeFee
Petition for Probate
Standard probate filing fee
$435
Small Estate Affidavit
For estates under threshold (no court filing needed)
$0
Spousal Property Petition
Transfer community property to surviving spouse
$435
Real Property Petition
Transfer real property without full probate
$435

Accepted Payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card, Money Order

Note: Fees set by California Uniform Civil Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2024). $50 fee for lodging a will.

Document Fees

Certified Copy (per page)
$1
Certification (per document)
$2
Payment Methods: Cash, Check, Credit Card, Money Order

Fees set by California Uniform Civil Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2024). $50 fee for lodging a will.

Required Documents

  • Petition for Probate(DE-111)

    Judicial Council form - starts probate case

  • Notice of Petition to Administer Estate(DE-121)

    Must be mailed/served to heirs and beneficiaries

  • Death Certificate

    Certified copy required. Order 10-15 copies.

  • Original Will (if exists)

    Original will must be filed with court

  • Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative(DE-147)

    Must be signed by personal representative

  • Inventory and Appraisal(DE-160)

    Due within 4 months of appointment. Probate referee appraises non-cash assets.

  • Notice of Administration to Creditors(DE-157)
  • Petition for Probate(DE-111)

    Judicial Council form - starts probate case

  • Notice of Petition to Administer Estate(DE-121)

    Must be mailed/served to heirs and beneficiaries

  • Death Certificate

    Certified copy required. Order 10-15 copies.

  • Original Will (if exists)

    Original will must be filed with court. $50 lodging fee.

  • Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative(DE-147)

    Must be signed by personal representative

  • Inventory and Appraisal(DE-160)

    Due within 4 months of appointment. Probate referee appraises non-cash assets.

  • Notice of Administration to Creditors(DE-157)

E-Filing & Filing Methods

Source ↗
Ventura Court eFilingCase SearchProbate Forms
Filing Methods: in person, e file

Timelines & Proceedings

Deadlines & Creditor Claims

Key Deadlines

Will Deposit
30 days
Creditor Claims
4 months
Known Creditor Notice
30 days

Creditor Claims

Period Starts
date of first publication of notice to creditors
Statute
California Probate Code sections 9100-9103

Publication Requirements

Notice to Creditors

Newspaper
Ventura County Star
Duration
Once a week for 3 successive weeks
Deadline
Within 30 days after letters issued
Est. Cost
Varies by newspaper and county - typically $150-$400

Alternatives: VC Reporter, Ojai Valley News

Notice of Petition/Administration

Must be sent within 15 days to:

  • All heirs named in will
  • All intestate heirs (if no will)
  • Spouse or domestic partner

Related Proceedings

Property Recording

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Recording Fees

First Page
$25.00
Additional Pages
$3.00
Records Search Property Search

Guardianship

A guardianship is where the court appoints an adult person, entity or institution to care for the person and/or the estate of a minor.

Filing Fees

Person Only
$435
Property/Estate
$435
guardianship of person

Guardian makes decisions about child's care, welfare, and education - like a parent

guardianship of estate

Guardian manages child's property and finances. Must preserve the minor's estate for the minor's benefit.

temporary guardianship

For urgent situations when hearing cannot wait the 15 days required for a noticed hearing

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