Overview
El Dorado County is located in California with a population of approximately 193,000. The Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado 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.
California offers simplified procedures for small estates. For deaths occurring on or after April 1, 2025, if the gross value of the estate is $208,850 or less, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit to transfer personal property without full probate. There are also simplified procedures for spousal property petitions.
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
- 1% of the next $9,000,000
- 0.5% of the next $15,000,000
- For amounts above $25 million, a reasonable amount is determined by the court.
This guide provides an informational overview of the El Dorado 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
Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado
Probate matters in El Dorado County are primarily handled at the Cameron Park Branch.
Address: 2927 Meder Road, Cameron Park, CA 95682
Phone: (530) 621-5047 (Probate/Conservatorship/Mental Health)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
The Probate Division handles decedent estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. There is also a branch in South Lake Tahoe (1354 Johnson Blvd) that handles probate matters for the Tahoe basin.
Parking and Access
Parking is available at the courthouse. Security screening is required for entry into all court facilities.
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 personal property by affidavit after a 40-day waiting period.
- Spousal Property Petition: Assets passing to a surviving spouse may be transferred via a simplified petition (Form DE-221).
- 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 Superior Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (Form DE-147)
- Confidential Supplement to Duties and Liabilities (Form DE-147S)
- Filing fee (approximately $435)
Note: E-filing is mandatory for probate cases in El Dorado County as of July 1, 2025.
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 El Dorado County (e.g., Mountain Democrat or Georgetown Gazette) 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, issues Order for Probate and Letters.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and the Franchise Tax Board within the statutory period (4 months).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 4 months of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Final Account and Petition for Final Distribution to close the estate.
Local Requirements
El Dorado County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Electronic filing is mandatory for all probate matters. You must use an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP).
- Local Rules: El Dorado County Local Rules (Rule 7) govern probate proceedings. Familiarize yourself with these rules regarding continuances, tentative rulings, and accountings.
- Tentative Rulings: The court may issue tentative rulings before the hearing. Parties should check the court's website after 2:00 PM on the court day preceding the hearing.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the city where the decedent resided. Common newspapers include the Mountain Democrat, Georgetown Gazette, and Tahoe Daily Tribune.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (El Dorado County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $435
- Petition for Spousal Property: approximately $435
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $25 + $0.50 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$500 depending on the newspaper
- Probate Referee fees: 0.1% of the appraised value of non-cash assets
Payment Methods
The court accepts credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover), checks, and money orders. E-filing providers typically charge a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 12-18 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 3+ years
Factors affecting the timeline include the 4-month creditor claim period, the time required for the Probate Referee to appraise assets, and court calendar availability.
Local Resources
El Dorado County Court Resources
- Court Website: www.eldorado.courts.ca.gov
- Probate Division: Probate Information
- California Probate Forms: Judicial Council Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- El Dorado County Bar Association: (530) 303-8051 — Offers resources and attorney listings.
- Senior Legal Services: (530) 621-6154 — Provides legal assistance to seniors in El Dorado County.
- California State Bar Lawyer Referral: www.calbar.ca.gov
Publication
- Mountain Democrat: (530) 622-1255 — General circulation for Placerville and western county.
- Tahoe Daily Tribune: (530) 541-3880 — General circulation for South Lake Tahoe area.