General orientation only. Use the current court, recorder, agency, and a professional licensed in the jurisdiction.
Estate-planning and probate procedure in California must be checked against current state materials and local records.
Official starting point
California Courts Self-Help Guide
For a court or estate filing, begin with the Superior Court in the county with probate venue. For real-property ownership and recorded transfers, check the county recorder.
Why this page is not in the search index
We have not completed a source-by-source review of California execution rules, probate procedure, property transfers, and benefit requirements. Until that work is complete, this page is limited to official starting points.
Where to verify the answer
- The current state court website and the court handling the matter.
- The county recorder or land-record office for real property.
- The institution holding an account, policy, or beneficiary designation.
- A professional licensed in California for advice about a document or set of facts.