Paperwork and process
What is probate court?
Short answer
The court that oversees the legal transfer of a deceased person's assets when no trust or other mechanism exists. In California, cases are filed in the Superior Court of the county where the deceased lived.
What this usually means
The court that oversees the legal transfer of a deceased person's assets when no trust or other mechanism exists. In California, cases are filed in the Superior Court of the county where the deceased lived.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.