California Probate Form DE-111

Petition for Probate

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: August 1, 2026

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About Petition for Probate

Opens a California decedent's estate: asks the court to admit the will (if any) to probate and to appoint an executor, administrator, or special administrator, with full or limited authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.

When you'd use it: Filed with the superior court in the county where the decedent lived, as the first step in opening a formal California probate.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Petition for Probate is published as a PDF by the California courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

Verified official PDF

Download Petition for Probate (PDF) →

Source: courts.ca.gov

Link last checked: August 1, 2026

How to file Petition for Probate in California

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Petition for Probate (DE-111) when filed with the superior court in the county where the decedent lived, as the first step in opening a formal California probate. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — California probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Petition for Probate carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Petition for Probate to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the California county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Petition for Probate? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

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Probate in California

See the full California probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the California probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Petition for Probate (DE-111)?
Opens a California decedent's estate: asks the court to admit the will (if any) to probate and to appoint an executor, administrator, or special administrator, with full or limited authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. You'd typically use it when filed with the superior court in the county where the decedent lived, as the first step in opening a formal California probate.
Where do I file Petition for Probate in California?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the California county where the deceased person lived. Our California probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Petition for Probate?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Petition for Probate available online?
Most California probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other California Probate Forms

Waiver of Accounting (Probate Code § 10954)7001-PRInformal Accounting - Blocked Accounts [Confidential]VN267Order Appointing Investigator and Notice of Investigation Costs3515Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and OrderDE-295/GC-395

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.