Overview
Alpine County is located in California with a population of approximately 1,204. The Alpine County Superior Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
California probate is governed by the California Probate Code. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate (Form DE-111) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
For decedents dying on or after April 1, 2025, estates valued at $208,850 or less may qualify for a simplified small estate affidavit procedure. Additionally, a new law effective April 1, 2025, allows for the transfer of a primary residence worth up to $750,000 via a simplified petition (Probate Code §13150).
California law sets statutory fees for attorneys and personal representatives based on the gross value of the estate: 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, and 1% of the next $9 million.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Alpine County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Alpine County Superior Court
Probate matters in Alpine County are handled at the Alpine County Courthouse.
Address: 14777 State Route 89, Markleeville, CA 96120
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 518, Markleeville, CA 96120
Phone: (530) 694-2113 (Civil/Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The Superior Court is located on the upper level of the County Courthouse. It is a small, historic courthouse serving California's least populous county.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse. The building is accessible to persons with disabilities. Security screening is required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $208,850 or less (for deaths on/after April 1, 2025), you may be able to transfer assets via affidavit after a 40-day waiting period.
- Spousal Property Petition: Assets passing to a surviving spouse may be transferred via a simplified petition.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate (Form DE-111) with the Alpine County Superior Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (Form DE-147)
- Filing fee of approximately $435
- Proposed Order for Probate (Form DE-140)
E-filing may be available but is often optional for probate; check with the clerk for current e-filing mandates.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice (Form DE-121) of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 15 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Alpine County (e.g., Alpine Enterprise) for three successive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 4 to 6 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, signs the Order for Probate. The clerk then issues Letters.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and the Franchise Tax Board
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 4 months
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Final Account and Petition for Distribution to close the estate
Local Requirements
Alpine County-Specific Procedures
- Local Rules: Alpine County follows the California Rules of Court and has its own Local Rules; however, due to its size, it relies heavily on standard state procedures.
- Filing Methods: Filings can be made in person at the clerk's window or by mail to P.O. Box 518, Markleeville, CA 96120.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation adjudicated for Alpine County, such as the Alpine Enterprise.
- Court Appearances: Remote appearances via Zoom are often encouraged or available; contact the clerk to schedule.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Alpine County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $435
- Petition for Spousal Property: approximately $435
- Small Estate Affidavit (if filed): approximately $435 (varies by value)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $40 ($25 for certification + $15 for copy)
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$400 depending on the newspaper
Note: Fees are subject to the Statewide Civil Fee Schedule and may change.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit card payments may be accepted via third-party services or specific arrangement; verify with the clerk.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 12-18 months
- Average estates: 18-24 months
- Complex or contested estates: 2 years or more
Delays often occur due to the 4-month creditor claim period, tax return processing, or court scheduling availability.
Local Resources
Alpine County Court Resources
- Court Website: alpine.courts.ca.gov
- Probate Self-Help: alpine.courts.ca.gov/self-help
- California Probate Forms: courts.ca.gov/forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- California Bar Association: (866) 442-2529 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Services of Northern California: (530) 887-1365 — Provides legal assistance to eligible low-income residents
- Alpine County Bar Association: Contact local court for listings
Publication
- Alpine Enterprise: (209) 754-3861 — Adjudicated newspaper for legal notices
- Tahoe Daily Tribune: (530) 541-3880 — Serves the region