Overview
Yolo County is located in California with a population of approximately 225,251. The Yolo 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.
For smaller estates, California offers simplified procedures. As of April 1, 2025, the small estate affidavit threshold is $208,850. Additionally, a new law effective April 1, 2025, allows for the simplified transfer of a primary residence valued up to $750,000.
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 Yolo 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
Yolo County Superior Court
Probate matters in Yolo County are handled at the Main Courthouse.
Address: 1000 Main Street, Woodland, CA 95695
Phone: (530) 406-6700 (Civil/Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division is part of the Civil Department. Filings are generally processed through the Civil filing windows or electronically.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available in lots located at 525 6th Street and 625 6th Street. There is also street parking available around the courthouse, but check for time limits (often 20 minutes to 2 hours). 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's personal property is valued at $208,850 or less (for deaths on/after April 1, 2025), you may be able to skip formal probate after a 40-day waiting period.
- Real Property of Small Value: For real property valued at $69,625 or less, an affidavit procedure (Form DE-305) is available.
- Primary Residence Exemption: Effective April 1, 2025, a simplified revocable transfer on death deed or petition process may apply for a primary residence valued up to $750,000.
- 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 Yolo County Superior Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate (Form DE-111)
- Original will and codicils (if any) lodged with the court
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $435)
- Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (Form DE-147)
- Confidential Supplement to Duties and Liabilities (Form DE-147S)
Yolo County mandates e-filing for attorneys and encourages it for self-represented litigants in probate matters.
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 Yolo County (e.g., Daily Democrat or West Sacramento News Ledger) 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.
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.
- File a Final Accounting and Petition for Final Distribution.
Local Requirements
Yolo County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: E-filing is mandatory for parties represented by counsel in probate cases. The court uses the Odyssey eFileCA system.
- Probate Notes: The court posts "Probate Notes" online prior to hearings. These notes identify any defects or missing information in your petition. You must address these notes before the hearing, often by filing a supplement or declaration.
- Local Forms: While most forms are statewide Judicial Council forms, check for any local cover sheets or "At-Issue" memoranda required for contested matters.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Yolo County. Common choices include the Daily Democrat and West Sacramento News Ledger.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Yolo 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 $150-$400 depending on the newspaper
- Probate Referee Appraisal Fee: 0.1% of assets appraised + expenses
California statutory attorney and executor fees are calculated as a percentage of the gross estate value (4% of first $100k, 3% of next $100k, 2% of next $800k, 1% of next $9M).
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). E-filing service providers charge a convenience fee for credit card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 12-18 months
- Average estates: 18-24 months
- Complex or contested estates: 2 years or more
Factors affecting timeline include the 4-month creditor claim period, delays in the sale of real property, and court calendar congestion.
Local Resources
Yolo County Court Resources
- Court Website: yolo.courts.ca.gov
- Probate Division: yolo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division
- California Probate Forms: courts.ca.gov/forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Yolo County Bar Association: (530) 666-1935 — yolobar.com
- Legal Services of Northern California: (530) 662-1065 — Provides assistance to low-income residents.
Publication
- Daily Democrat: (530) 406-6223 — Adjudicated for Yolo County
- West Sacramento News Ledger: (916) 371-8030 — Adjudicated for Yolo County