Overview
Tehama County is located in California with a population of approximately 63,463. The Tehama 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 total value of the estate is $208,850 or less, you may be able to use a Small Estate Affidavit to transfer personal property without formal probate. For real property of small value (currently under $69,750), a specialized affidavit procedure may also be available.
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 $9,000,000
This guide provides an informational overview of the Tehama 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
Tehama County Superior Court
Probate matters in Tehama County are handled at the Red Bluff Courthouse.
Address: 1740 Walnut St., Red Bluff, CA 96080
Phone: (530) 527-6441 (Civil & Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Division is typically located on the first floor. The court handles decedent estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse on Walnut Street. Security screening is required for entry into the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $208,850 or less (for deaths on/after April 1, 2025), 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 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 Tehama County Superior Court. Include:
- Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (Form DE-121)
- Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (Form DE-147)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee of approximately $435
- Proposed Order for Probate (Form DE-140)
E-filing may be available or required for attorneys; check the court's website for the latest e-filing protocols.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice (Form DE-121) to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 15 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Tehama County (such as the Red Bluff Daily News) 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 issued Letters.
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 (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
Tehama County-Specific Procedures
- Local Forms: While the court primarily uses Judicial Council forms, check with the clerk for any required local cover sheets or contact information forms.
- Probate Notes: The court may post probate notes or tentative rulings online prior to the hearing. It is the petitioner's responsibility to check these notes and clear any defects.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Tehama County. The Red Bluff Daily News is commonly used.
Always consult the Tehama County Local Rules of Court for specific department requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Tehama County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $435
- Petition for Final Distribution: approximately $435
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $40 ($25 for certification + $0.50/page)
- Publication costs: approximately $200-$450 depending on the newspaper
- Probate Referee Appraisal Fee: 0.1% of assets appraised + expenses
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). A convenience fee typically applies to 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
Delays often occur due to the 4-month creditor claim period, delays in appraisal, or court calendar congestion.
Local Resources
Tehama County Court Resources
- Court Website: tehama.courts.ca.gov
- Probate Division: tehama.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate-court
- California Probate Forms: courts.ca.gov/forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Tehama County Bar Association: Contact local listings
- Legal Services of Northern California: (530) 241-3565 — Provides legal assistance to low-income individuals
- California State Bar Lawyer Referral: calbar.ca.gov
Publication
- Red Bluff Daily News: (530) 527-2151 — redbluffdailynews.com
- Corning Observer: (530) 824-5144