Where do I file for probate in Los Angeles County?

Probate petitions are filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The court accepts e-filing through approved service providers. Contact the Probate Department at (213) 830-0803 for questions about filing requirements.

How much does probate cost in Los Angeles County?

The filing fee for a Petition for Probate is approximately $435 to $550. Additional costs include publication ($200-$400), Probate Referee fees (0.1% of non-cash assets), and certified copies ($25-$30 each). Statutory attorney and executor fees are based on estate value — for example, a $500,000 estate would generate $13,000 in statutory fees for the attorney and $13,000 for the executor.

Can I avoid probate in Los Angeles County with a small estate affidavit?

Yes. If the estate is valued at $184,500 or less (as of 2024, excluding certain assets like joint tenancy property and life insurance), heirs can use a small estate affidavit under Probate Code Section 13100 to collect assets without formal probate. The affidavit can be used 40 days after the date of death.

How long does probate take in Los Angeles County?

Simple estates typically take 9 to 12 months. Average estates take 12 to 18 months. Complex or contested estates can take several years. Los Angeles County's high volume of cases can add processing time. The minimum timeline is driven by the four-month creditor claim period and court hearing schedules.

What is IAEA and should I request it in Los Angeles County?

The Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA) allows the personal representative to handle most estate transactions — including selling property, paying debts, and investing funds — without prior court approval. Most probate petitions in Los Angeles County request full IAEA authority. It can significantly reduce the number of court hearings and speed up administration.

Do I need an attorney for probate in Los Angeles County?

California does not require an attorney for probate, and you may represent yourself. However, probate involves detailed legal procedures, court filings, and deadlines. Many people find an attorney helpful, particularly for estates with real property, business interests, or potential disputes. The Los Angeles County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can be reached at (213) 243-1525.

What is a spousal property petition in Los Angeles County?

A Spousal or Domestic Partner Property Petition (DE-221) allows a surviving spouse to confirm community property and receive the decedent's share without full probate. This is typically faster and less expensive than formal probate. It is available for community property and may also apply to the decedent's separate property left to the surviving spouse by will.

What newspapers can I use for probate publication in Los Angeles County?

Probate notices must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Los Angeles County for three successive weeks. Common choices include the Los Angeles Daily Journal, the Metropolitan News-Enterprise, and the Daily Commerce. Publication costs typically range from $200 to $400 depending on the newspaper.

Los Angeles County Probate Guide: Courts, Fees & Process (2026)

Overview

Los Angeles County is the most populous county in California and in the entire United States, with over 9.7 million residents. The Los Angeles County Superior Court, Probate Division handles all 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 (Judicial Council Form DE-111) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary (DE-150) for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates. Most petitions in California request authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA), which allows the personal representative to handle many estate transactions without court approval.

For smaller estates, California offers a small estate affidavit procedure (Probate Code Section 13100) for estates valued at $184,500 or less (as of 2024), allowing heirs to collect assets without formal probate.

Statutory attorney and executor fees in California are 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, and 0.5% of the next $15,000,000.

This guide provides an informational overview of the Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles County Superior Court — Probate Division

Probate matters in Los Angeles County are primarily handled at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. Some probate matters may also be heard at other courthouses depending on the case assignment.

Address: 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: (213) 830-0803 (Probate Department)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The Stanley Mosk Courthouse is the main civil courthouse for Los Angeles County. Probate matters are heard in specific departments — check your hearing notice for the assigned department number.

Parking and Access

The courthouse is accessible via Metro (Civic Center/Grand Park Station on the Red/Purple lines). Paid parking is available at the courthouse parking garage and surrounding lots. Expect security screening at building entrances and plan for significant wait times given the high volume of cases.

Filing Process

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

Small estate affidavit (Probate Code Section 13100): If the estate is valued at $184,500 or less (excluding certain assets), heirs may collect property using a small estate affidavit without formal probate.
Spousal property petition (DE-221): A surviving spouse may petition to confirm community property or receive the decedent's share without full probate.
Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.

Step 2: File the Petition for Probate (DE-111)

If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate (DE-111) with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Include:

Completed DE-111 form
Original will and codicils (if any)
Certified death certificate
Filing fee (approximately $435-$550)
Proposed Order for Probate (DE-140)
Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (DE-147)
Notice of Proposed Action (if requesting IAEA authority)

Los Angeles County allows e-filing through approved electronic filing service providers.

Step 3: Provide Notice

After filing, you must:

Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 15 days before the hearing (DE-120, DE-121)
Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Los Angeles County for three successive weeks before the hearing

Step 4: Attend the Hearing

The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 30 to 45 days after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary (DE-150) or Letters of Administration.

Step 5: Administer the Estate

After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:

File a Notice of Administration to creditors
Inventory and appraise all estate assets (DE-160/DE-161) within four months
Pay valid creditor claims (creditors have four months from issuance of Letters or 60 days from notice, whichever is later)
File federal and state tax returns as needed
Distribute assets to beneficiaries
File a Final Account and Petition for Distribution or a Waiver of Account with court approval

Local Requirements

Los Angeles County-Specific Procedures

E-filing: Los Angeles County Superior Court accepts e-filing for probate matters through approved electronic filing service providers (EFSPs). Some filings still require original documents to be lodged with the court.
Probate Notes: Los Angeles County uses a probate notes system — the court reviews filings before the hearing and may issue tentative rulings or request corrections. Check for probate notes online before each hearing.
Department assignments: Probate cases are assigned to specific departments at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. Check your notice for department assignment.
Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Los Angeles County for three successive weeks before the hearing date.
Bond: Bond may be required unless the will waives bond and grants IAEA authority. If IAEA is granted with bond waiver, the personal representative has broad authority to act without court supervision.
Inventory and appraisal: A Probate Referee is appointed by the court to appraise non-cash assets. The referee's fee is set by statute.

IAEA (Independent Administration of Estates Act)

Most petitions in Los Angeles County request full IAEA authority. With full IAEA, the personal representative can sell real property, invest estate funds, and pay creditor claims without prior court approval (subject to notice requirements). Limited IAEA excludes real property sales from independent authority.

Spousal Property Petition

The surviving spouse may file a Spousal or Domestic Partner Property Petition (DE-221) to confirm community property and receive the decedent's share without full probate administration. This is typically faster and less expensive than a full probate proceeding.

Timeline & Fees

Filing Fees (Los Angeles County)

Petition for Probate (DE-111): approximately $435-$550
Probate Referee fee: approximately 0.1% of appraised non-cash assets (minimum $150)
Certified copies of Letters: approximately $25-$30 per certified copy
Publication costs: approximately $200-$400 depending on the newspaper
Filing a Final Account: additional court filing fee applies

Statutory Attorney and Executor Fees

California law (Probate Code Section 10810) sets statutory fees for both the attorney and the personal representative based on the gross estate value:

4% of the first $100,000
3% of the next $100,000
2% of the next $800,000
1% of the next $9,000,000
0.5% of the next $15,000,000

The court may approve extraordinary fees for unusual services.

Payment Methods

The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. A convenience fee may apply to card transactions.

Estimated Timelines

Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 9-12 months
Average estates: 12-18 months
Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years

Los Angeles County's high filing volume can affect processing times. The minimum timeline is driven by the four-month creditor claim period and court scheduling.

Local Resources

Los Angeles County Superior Court Resources

Court Website: lacourt.org
Probate Self-Help: lacourt.org/self-help
California Judicial Council Probate Forms: courts.ca.gov/forms
Probate Notes: Available online through the court's website before each hearing

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

Los Angeles County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (213) 243-1525
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA): (800) 399-4529
Bet Tzedek Legal Services: (323) 939-0506 — free legal assistance for qualifying individuals
State Bar of California Lawyer Referral: calbar.ca.gov

Publication

Los Angeles Daily Journal: (213) 229-5300 — legal newspaper serving Los Angeles County
Metropolitan News-Enterprise: (213) 346-0033
Daily Commerce: (213) 229-5300

Probate in Los Angeles County, California: 2026 Guide