About Inventory and Appraisal
Lists everything the decedent owned at death with a date-of-death value for each item, separating cash items the representative values from assets appraised by a probate referee.
When you'd use it: Filed with the court after appointment — generally within four months of Letters being issued — usually alongside the Inventory and Appraisal Attachment (DE-161).
Where to get the official form
The official version of Inventory and Appraisal 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 Inventory and Appraisal (PDF) →
Source: courts.ca.gov
Link last checked: August 1, 2026
How to file Inventory and Appraisal in California
- Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Inventory and Appraisal (DE-160) when filed with the court after appointment — generally within four months of Letters being issued — usually alongside the Inventory and Appraisal Attachment (DE-161). 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.
- Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Inventory and Appraisal 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.
- 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.
- Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Inventory and Appraisal 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).