Overview
Placer County is located in California with a population of approximately 433,822. The Placer 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.
California offers simplified procedures for small estates. As of April 1, 2025, the threshold for small estate affidavits (personal property) is $208,850. Additionally, a simplified procedure exists for real property valued up to $750,000 if it was the decedent's primary residence.
California law mandates 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 $9,000,000
This guide provides an informational overview of the Placer 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
Placer County Superior Court
Probate matters in Placer County are handled at the Hon. Howard G. Gibson Courthouse.
Address: 10820 Justice Center Drive, Roseville, CA 95678
Phone: 916-408-6000 (Option 5 for Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division is located within the Civil Division at the Hon. Howard G. Gibson Courthouse. This facility handles most civil, family law, and probate cases for the county.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the large lot located in front of the courthouse and jail complex. The facility is accessible to persons with disabilities. Public transit is available via Placer County Transit and Roseville Transit, with stops near the Justice Center.
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 (effective April 1, 2025), you may be able to transfer assets without court administration 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 Placer County Superior Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (Form DE-147)
- Filing fee of approximately $435
- Proposed Order for Probate (Form DE-140) and Letters (Form DE-150)
E-filing is mandatory for parties represented by counsel and available for self-represented litigants via the court's eDelivery system or approved Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs).
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 Placer County (e.g., Auburn Journal, The Placer Herald) 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. The clerk then issues Letters, giving you legal authority to act.
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 according to the will or laws of intestacy
- File a Final Account and Petition for Final Distribution to close the estate
Local Requirements
Placer County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Placer County utilizes an e-filing system (eDelivery). Attorneys are generally required to e-file.
- Local Forms: The court may require specific local forms, such as the Publications List for Placer County (Form PL-CW912) to identify approved newspapers.
- Probate Notes: The court posts "Probate Notes" online prior to hearings, identifying any defects or missing information in your petition. You must address these notes before the hearing.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the city where the decedent resided. Common options include the Auburn Journal, Roseville Press-Tribune, and The Placer Herald.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Placer 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 $150-$450 depending on the newspaper
- Probate Referee Appraisal Fee: 0.1% of assets appraised (minimum $75)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). Credit card payments may incur a convenience fee, especially when e-filing.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 12-18 months
- Average estates: 16-24 months
- Complex or contested estates: 2 years or more
Delays often occur due to the 4-month creditor claim period, delays in appraisal, or failure to clear probate notes before hearings.
Local Resources
Placer County Court Resources
- Court Website: placer.courts.ca.gov
- Probate Division: placer.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate
- California Probate Forms: courts.ca.gov/rules-forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Placer County Bar Association: (916) 803-1577 — Offers an attorney directory for finding local attorneys.
- Legal Services of Northern California: 530-823-7560 — Provides legal assistance to low-income individuals.
Publication
- Auburn Journal: 530-885-5656 — General circulation for Auburn area.
- Roseville Press-Tribune: 916-786-6500 — General circulation for Roseville area.
- The Placer Herald: 916-774-7900 — General circulation for Rocklin/Lincoln areas.