Overview
Glenn County is located in California with a population of approximately 28,300. The Superior Court of California, County of Glenn 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 smaller estates, California offers simplified procedures. As of April 1, 2025, the threshold for a Small Estate Affidavit (for personal property) is $208,850. Real property of small value (less than $69,625) may also be transferred via affidavit.
California law sets statutory fees for attorneys and executors 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 Glenn 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 Glenn
Probate matters in Glenn County are handled at the Willows Courthouse.
Address: 526 West Sycamore St, Willows, CA 95988
Phone: (530) 934-6446 (Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
The court hears probate calendars on specific days. It is recommended to check the current court calendar or contact the clerk's office to confirm hearing times.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available on the streets surrounding the courthouse. The building is accessible to persons with disabilities; those requiring special accommodations should contact the court clerk in advance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate's personal property is valued at $208,850 or less (for deaths on/after April 1, 2025), you may be able to transfer assets without court administration 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) rather than full probate.
- 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 of California, County of Glenn. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (Form DE-147)
- Filing fee (approximately $435)
- Proposed Order for Probate (Form DE-140)
Glenn County accepts filings in person, by mail, or via e-filing (using approved Electronic Filing Service Providers).
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 Glenn County (such as the Glenn County Transcript or Sacramento Valley Mirror) 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 and 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 Final Distribution to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Glenn County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Effective January 1, 2026, e-filing is mandatory for all Probate Matters pursuant to amended Local Rule 2.5. Exemptions may apply—check the complete text of Local Rule 2.5 for details.
- Local Forms: While most probate forms are standard Judicial Council forms, check the court's "Local Forms" page for any specific cover sheets or declarations required by Glenn County.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Glenn County. The Glenn County Transcript is commonly used for legal notices.
- Court Investigator: For guardianships and conservatorships, a local court investigator fee may apply.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Glenn County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $435
- Petition for Spousal Property: approximately $435
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $40 ($25 for certification + $15 per copy)
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$400 depending on the newspaper
- Small Estate Affidavit filing: Varies (often a small clerk fee if filed with court, or no court fee if presented directly to institutions)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) for in-person and online payments. A service fee applies to card transactions.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 9-18 months
- Average estates: 12-24 months
- Complex or contested estates: 2 years or more
The timeline is heavily influenced by the mandatory 4-month creditor claim period and the time required for the Probate Referee to appraise assets.
Local Resources
Glenn County Court Resources
- Court Website: glenn.courts.ca.gov
- Probate Division: glenn.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate
- California Probate Forms: courts.ca.gov/forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Glenn County Bar Association: Contact local listings or the court for referrals.
- Legal Services of Northern California: (530) 345-9491 — Provides legal assistance to low-income individuals.
- California Bar Lawyer Referral Service: calbar.ca.gov
Publication
- Glenn County Transcript: (530) 934-6144 — Adjudicated newspaper for legal notices.
- Sacramento Valley Mirror: (530) 934-6637 — Newspaper of general circulation.