Overview
Yuba County is located in California with a population of approximately 87,469. The Yuba 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 2026, if the total value of the estate is $208,850 or less (for deaths on or after April 1, 2025), assets may be transferred via a Small Estate Affidavit without full probate. Additionally, a simplified petition process is available for real property valued under $750,000 (effective April 1, 2025).
California law mandates 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
- 0.5% of the next $15,000,000
This guide provides an informational overview of the Yuba 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
Yuba County Superior Court
Probate matters in Yuba County are handled at the Yuba County Courthouse.
Address: 215 Fifth Street, Suite 200, Marysville, CA 95901
Phone: (530) 740-1800 (Probate Division Ext. 6)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Division is part of the Civil Division. The court handles probate, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Parking and Access
Parking spaces around the courthouse are limited to 2 hours and are strictly enforced by the Marysville Police Department. Additional longer-term parking is available for no charge in a municipal parking lot located one block south of the courthouse at the intersection of 4th and C Streets.
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 without court administration.
- Spousal Property Petition: Assets passing to a surviving spouse may be transferred via a simplified petition.
- 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 Yuba County Superior Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (Form DE-121)
- Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (Form DE-147)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $435)
E-filing is available and encouraged through approved service providers (Odyssey eFileCA).
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice 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 Yuba County (e.g., the Appeal-Democrat) 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 Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
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
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Yuba County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: The court accepts e-filing via Odyssey eFileCA.
- Local Rules: Consult the Yuba County Local Rules for specific courtroom decorum and procedural requirements.
- Probate Notes: The court may post probate notes prior to hearings identifying defects or questions. Check the court website for notes before your hearing.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Yuba County, such as the Appeal-Democrat.
Always check with the court clerk for the most current local forms and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Yuba County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $435
- Complex Case Fee: may apply for contested matters
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $25 + $0.50 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $300-$600 depending on the newspaper
- Probate Referee Fees: 0.1% of non-cash assets
Statutory attorney and executor fees are set by California law (see Overview).
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). Credit card payments may incur a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 12-18 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Factors affecting timeline include the 4-month creditor claim period, tax return processing, and court calendar availability.
Local Resources
Yuba County Court Resources
- Court Website: yuba.courts.ca.gov
- Probate Self-Help: yuba.courts.ca.gov/self-help
- California Probate Forms: courts.ca.gov/forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- California Rural Legal Assistance (Marysville): (530) 742-5191 — Legal aid for low-income residents
- State Bar of California Lawyer Referral: calbar.ca.gov
Publication
- Appeal-Democrat: (530) 741-2345 — Newspaper of general circulation