Overview
Kings County is located in California with a population of approximately 152,000. The Superior Court of California, County of Kings 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 gross value of the decedent's real and personal property in California is $208,850 or less, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit or a petition for succession to real property instead of a full probate.
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 Kings 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 Kings
Probate matters in Kings County are handled at the Hanford Courthouse.
Address: 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230
Phone: (559) 582-1010 (Civil Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division is part of the Civil Division. The court hears matters regarding decedents' estates, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available on the north and west sides of the courthouse building. These lots are accessible from Kings County Drive or 12th Avenue. Security screening is required upon entering the building.
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 (effective April 1, 2025), you may be able to transfer personal property via 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) without full administration.
- 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 Kings County. 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 (typically $435)
- Proposed Order for Probate (Form DE-140) and Letters (Form DE-150)
Note: Electronic filing (e-filing) is mandatory for probate cases in Kings County for attorneys and represented parties. Self-represented litigants may file in person or by mail.
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 Kings County (such as The Hanford Sentinel) for three successive weeks before the hearing.
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 Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
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 (using a Probate Referee for non-cash assets).
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate debts.
- File federal and state tax returns as needed.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries after court approval.
- File a Final Account and Petition for Final Distribution to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Kings County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Mandatory for attorneys and parties represented by counsel in probate matters.
- Local Forms: While California Judicial Council forms are primarily used, check the court's "Forms & Filings" page for any specific local cover sheets or checklists (e.g., for guardianships or conservatorships).
- Probate Notes: The court may post "Probate Notes" prior to the hearing identifying any deficiencies or missing documents. Parties should check these notes and clear any defects before the hearing date.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Kings County, such as The Hanford Sentinel.
Always consult the Kings County Local Rules of Court for the most up-to-date procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Kings County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $435
- Petition for Final Distribution: approximately $435
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $25 + $0.50 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$400 depending on the newspaper
- Probate Referee fees: 0.1% of the appraised value of assets (plus expenses)
California law sets statutory fees for the attorney and personal representative (executor/administrator) based on the estate value:
- 4% of the first $100,000
- 3% of the next $100,000
- 2% of the next $800,000
- 1% of the next $9 million
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). A convenience fee applies to credit card transactions.
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, the time required for the Probate Referee to appraise assets, and court calendar availability.
Local Resources
Kings County Court Resources
- Court Website: kings.courts.ca.gov
- Probate Division: kings.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil
- California Probate Forms: courts.ca.gov/forms.htm
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Kings County Bar Association: (559) 584-3337 — Local attorney information
- Central California Legal Services: (800) 675-8001 — Legal aid for low-income residents
- California State Bar Lawyer Referral: calbar.ca.gov
Publication
- The Hanford Sentinel: (559) 582-0471 — Newspaper of general circulation