Overview
Plumas County is located in California with a population of approximately 18,834. The Plumas 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, if the decedent's personal property is valued at $208,850 or less, it may be transferred via a Small Estate Affidavit without full probate. Additionally, a simplified petition process is available for a primary residence valued at $750,000 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 Plumas 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
Plumas County Superior Court
Probate matters in Plumas County are handled at the Main Courthouse in Quincy.
Address: 520 Main Street #104, Quincy, CA 95971
Phone: (530) 283-6232 (Main) | (530) 283-6305 (Civil/Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Clerk's Office is located on the first floor in #104. The court hears probate matters on specific calendar days; check with the clerk for the current schedule.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available around the courthouse in Quincy. The building is accessible to persons with disabilities.
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 transfer assets by 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).
- 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 Plumas 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 (typically $435)
- Proposed Order for Probate (Form DE-140)
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 Plumas County (such as The Plumas Sun) 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 and issues Letters.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and the Franchise Tax Board (creditor claim period is 4 months).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 4 months of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- File a Final Accounting and Petition for Final Distribution.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries after court approval.
Local Requirements
Plumas County-Specific Procedures
- Local Forms: While the court primarily uses Judicial Council forms, check the "Local Forms" section of the court website for any specific cover sheets or declarations required.
- Publication: Due to changes in local media, verify the currently approved newspaper of general circulation with the court clerk. The Plumas Sun is a common option for notices.
- Court Appearances: Remote appearances may be available via CourtCall or Zoom; check the court's tentative rulings or local rules for instructions.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Plumas County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $435
- Petition for Spousal Property: approximately $435
- Small Estate Affidavit: $0 (no court filing required for personal property affidavit)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $25-$40
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$400 depending on the newspaper
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 9-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Delays often occur due to the 4-month creditor claim period and court calendar availability.
Local Resources
Plumas County Court Resources
- Court Website: plumas.courts.ca.gov
- Probate Self-Help: selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate
- California Probate Forms: courts.ca.gov/court-forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Plumas County Bar Association: Contact local attorneys directly as there is no centralized referral service.
- Legal Services of Northern California: (530) 283-2350 — Provides legal assistance to low-income individuals.
- California State Bar Lawyer Referral: calbar.ca.gov
Publication
- The Plumas Sun: plumassun.org — (Online/Local news source handling notices)