Overview
Inyo County is located in California with a population of approximately 18,000. The Superior Court of California, County of Inyo 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. As of April 1, 2025, if the total value of the estate is $208,850 or less, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit to transfer personal property without formal probate. For real property valued at $69,625 or less, an Affidavit Re Real Property of Small Value (Form DE-305) may be filed.
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 million
This guide provides an informational overview of the Inyo 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 Inyo
Probate matters in Inyo County are primarily handled at the Bishop Courthouse.
Address: 301 West Line Street, Bishop, CA 93514
Phone: (760) 872-3038
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
The court hears probate calendars in Department 4. Filings can be made in person or electronically.
Parking and Access
Parking is available on the street and in the City-owned parking lot on Church Street. The courthouse is accessible to persons with disabilities.
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 of California, County of Inyo. Include:
- Petition for Probate (DE-111)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (typically $435)
- Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (DE-147)
E-filing is available and encouraged for probate matters in Inyo County.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing (Form DE-121) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 15 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Inyo County (e.g., The Inyo Register) 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
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 4 months
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Inyo County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: The Inyo County Superior Court accepts e-filing for probate documents.
- Local Rules: Be sure to review the Inyo County Local Rules (specifically Rule 8.7 regarding probate) for specific formatting and procedural requirements.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Inyo County, such as The Inyo Register.
Always check with the court clerk for the most up-to-date local forms and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Inyo 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 $100-$500 depending on the newspaper
- Probate Referee Appraisal Fee: 0.1% of assets appraised (minimum fees apply)
California statutory attorney and executor fees are calculated as a percentage of the gross estate value (4% of first $100k, 3% of next $100k, etc.).
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) for filings. Convenience fees may apply for credit card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 7-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Factors affecting the timeline include the 4-month creditor claim period, sale of real property, and court calendar availability.
Local Resources
Inyo County Court Resources
- Court Website: Superior Court of California, County of Inyo
- Probate Self-Help: California Courts Self-Help Probate
- California Probate Forms: Judicial Council Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Inyo County Bar Association: Contact local listings
- California Rural Legal Assistance: (760) 872-1136 — Provides legal assistance to low-income residents
- State Bar of California Lawyer Referral: calbar.ca.gov
Publication
- The Inyo Register: (760) 873-3535 — Newspaper of general circulation for probate notices