Overview
Lassen County is located in California with a population of approximately 28,340. The Lassen 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 estates valued at $208,850 or less (for deaths on or after April 1, 2025), California offers a simplified Small Estate Affidavit procedure to transfer personal property without formal probate. There is also a simplified process for real property of small value (currently $61,500 or less).
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
- 1% of the next $9 million
This guide provides an informational overview of the Lassen 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
Lassen County Superior Court
Probate matters in Lassen County are handled at the Hall of Justice.
Address: 2610 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8205 (Civil/Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division is located within the Civil Department. The court hears probate calendars on specific days; check with the clerk for the current schedule.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Hall of Justice. The facility is ADA accessible. All visitors must pass through security screening 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's personal property is valued at $208,850 or less (for deaths on/after April 1, 2025), you may be able to collect 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 (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 Lassen County Superior Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate (Form DE-111)
- Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (Form DE-121)
- Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (Form DE-147)
- Original will and codicils (if any), lodged with the court
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (currently $435)
E-filing may be available or required for attorneys; self-represented litigants can typically file in person or by mail.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice (Form DE-121) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and executors at least 15 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Lassen County (e.g., Lassen County Times) 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. You then file the Order and Letters (Form DE-150) to be issued by the clerk.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and the Franchise Tax Board within required timelines.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 4 months of appointment (using a Probate Referee for non-cash assets).
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries after court approval.
- File a Final Account and Petition for Final Distribution to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Lassen County-Specific Procedures
- Local Forms: While most forms are statewide Judicial Council forms, check the court's "Local Forms" page for any county-specific cover sheets or declarations.
- Probate Notes: The court may issue probate notes or a tentative ruling prior to the hearing. It is advisable to check these notes to correct any defects before the hearing date.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Lassen County, such as the Lassen County Times.
- Proposed Orders: Submit a proposed Order for Probate (Form DE-140) prior to the hearing for the judge's signature.
Always consult the Lassen County Superior Court Local Rules for the most up-to-date procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Lassen County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $435
- Petition for Final Distribution: approximately $435
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $25 - $40 (varies by page count)
- Publication costs: approximately $150 - $400 depending on the newspaper
- Probate Referee fees: 0.1% of the appraised value of assets (plus expenses)
Statutory Attorney & Executor Fees
California law sets fees based on the estate's gross value:
- 4% on the first $100,000
- 3% on the next $100,000
- 2% on the next $800,000
- 1% on the next $9,000,000
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard/Discover) with a processing fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 9-12 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
Lassen County Court Resources
- Court Website: lassen.courts.ca.gov
- Probate Division: lassen.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate
- California Probate Forms: courts.ca.gov/forms.htm
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Lassen County Bar Association: Contact local listings
- Legal Services of Northern California: (530) 251-3935 — Provides assistance to low-income residents
- California State Bar Lawyer Referral: calbar.ca.gov
Publication
- Lassen County Times: (530) 257-5321 — General circulation newspaper often used for probate notices