Overview
Mono County is located in California with a population of approximately 13,000. The Superior Court of California, County of Mono 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 2026, if the total value of the estate's personal property is $208,850 or less, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit to transfer assets without formal probate. For estates involving real property of small value (less than $69,625), a specific affidavit procedure is available. Additionally, a Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property may be used for primary residences valued up to $750,000.
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, and 1% of the next $9 million.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Mono 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 Mono
Probate matters in Mono County are primarily handled at the Mammoth Lakes Courthouse.
Address: 100 Thompson Way, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Phone: (760) 924-5444 (Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM; Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
The court also has a North County Branch in Bridgeport, but most probate filings and hearings are coordinated through the Mammoth Lakes location. Always check your hearing notice for the specific department and location.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Mammoth Lakes Courthouse. The facility is ADA accessible. Security screening is required for entry; avoid bringing prohibited items such as weapons or sharp objects.
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, you may be able to transfer assets via affidavit after a 40-day waiting period.
- Spousal Property Petition: Assets passing to a surviving spouse may be transferred using 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 Mono. Include:
- Petition for Probate (Form DE-111)
- Original will and codicils (if any) lodged with the court
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee of approximately $435
- Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (Form DE-147)
The court accepts filings in person or by mail. E-filing may be available; check the court's latest local rules.
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 Mono County (such as The Sheet or Mammoth 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, issues Order for Probate and Letters (Form DE-150).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow 4 months for claims.
- 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
Mono County-Specific Procedures
- Local Forms: While Mono County uses standard Judicial Council forms, always check for any required local cover sheets or supplemental declarations.
- Probate Notes: The court may issue "probate notes" prior to the hearing identifying any defects or missing documents. These must be addressed before the hearing.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Mono County, such as The Sheet or Mammoth Times, for three successive weeks.
Check the Mono County Superior Court Local Rules for the most up-to-date procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Mono County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $435
- Petition for Spousal Property: approximately $435
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $40 ($25 for certification + $0.50/page)
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$400 depending on the newspaper
- Probate Referee fees: 0.1% of the value of appraised assets + expenses
California law sets statutory fees for the attorney and personal representative:
- 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
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). A convenience fee may apply for credit 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 2+ years
Factors affecting the timeline include the 4-month creditor claim period, time required to sell real estate, and court calendar availability.
Local Resources
Mono County Court Resources
- Court Website: mono.courts.ca.gov
- Probate Division: Probate & Conservatorship
- California Probate Forms: Judicial Council Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Mono County Bar Association: Contact local attorneys directly as there is no formal county bar referral service.
- California Rural Legal Assistance: (760) 872-1136 — Provides legal aid to low-income residents.
- State Bar of California Lawyer Referral: calbar.ca.gov
Publication
- The Sheet: (760) 924-0047 — Adjudicated newspaper of general circulation.
- Mammoth Times: (760) 934-3929 — Adjudicated newspaper of general circulation.