Access Fresno Probate Records

Probate cases for Fresno go through Fresno County Superior Court. The city has no probate court of its own. California gives counties full authority over estate matters. When someone living in Fresno dies, their estate must be processed by the county court. Fresno County handles probate for all cities within its borders. The probate division operates from 1130 O Street on the third floor in downtown Fresno. This is convenient since the county seat is in the city. You file petitions, attend hearings, and access records at this location. Call 559-457-1888 for probate information. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Friday hours run 8:00 AM to noon only.

Fresno County Probate Division

All Fresno estate cases go to Fresno County Superior Court. The probate division is at 1130 O Street on the third floor. Call 559-457-1888 with questions. The court handles probate, guardianships, and conservatorships for the entire county.

Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Friday hours are 8:00 AM to noon. The short Friday hours mean you must plan ahead. The clerk window accepts filings during open hours. Walk-in service is available. No appointment needed.

Fresno County maintains probate examiner notes online at info.fresno.courts.ca.gov. These notes explain common issues and requirements. Read them before filing. They help you avoid mistakes that delay your case.

The county also has a probate page at fresno.courts.ca.gov. This includes local rules, forms, and contact information. Local rules add specifics to statewide Judicial Council rules.

Opening Probate Cases

Get form DE-111 from the California Courts website. This is the Petition for Probate. Fill in all sections. List the decedent's name and date of death. Name all heirs and beneficiaries. Describe what property the estate includes.

You need a certified death certificate. Attach it to your petition. If a will exists, include the original. Make copies first. The court keeps original wills permanently. You cannot get them back.

Take your documents to 1130 O Street, third floor. Pay the $435 filing fee. Bring cash, check, money order, or credit card. The clerk reviews your papers and assigns a case number. They set your hearing date. Expect it six to eight weeks out.

Publish notice of the hearing in a legal newspaper. Several papers serve Fresno County. The newspaper files proof with the court. Mail notice to all interested parties including heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors. Keep copies of everything. File proof of service before your hearing date.

Attend your hearing on time. Bring copies of your petition and documents. The judge reviews everything and asks questions. If approved, you receive Letters of Administration. These give you power to manage the estate. Within four months, file an Inventory and Appraisal listing all assets.

Small Estate Options

Estates worth less than $208,850 can avoid full probate. This threshold applies to deaths on or after April 1, 2025. Small estate procedures are faster and cheaper. They skip court hearings.

Form DE-310 works for personal property. This includes bank accounts, vehicles, and securities. Wait 40 days after death. Fill out the form completely. Take it to whoever holds the assets. They review it and transfer property to you. No court filing happens. No fee applies.

Real property worth less than $67,425 uses form DE-305. File this with the Fresno County Recorder. The recorder charges about $15. This works only for California real estate. Out of state property follows different rules.

Joint tenancy property transfers automatically. Life insurance and retirement accounts go to named beneficiaries. Payable-on-death accounts also skip probate. Living trusts avoid probate if properly established.

Note: California adjusts the small estate threshold every three years based on inflation.

Finding Legal Assistance

Fresno County Superior Court offers self-help services. Staff help with forms and explain procedures. They cannot give legal advice about your case. Self-help is free. Go to the courthouse during office hours. No appointment required.

Legal aid organizations serve Fresno residents. Central California Legal Services helps low-income people. Call 559-570-1200. They handle probate and estate matters. Senior legal help is also available through various programs.

The Fresno County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call 559-264-2619. They connect you with private attorneys. Probate lawyers charge $300 to $500 per hour typically. Some work on flat fees. Get written fee agreements before hiring.

The Fresno County Public Library has legal reference materials. The main library is at 2420 Mariposa Street. Librarians help you find forms and guides. Free computer access is available for research and completing forms online.

Obtaining Death Certificates

You need certified death certificates for probate. Order from Fresno County Vital Records or the state office. The county processes recent deaths faster. The state has older records.

Fresno County Vital Records is part of the Public Health Department. Order online through the county website. Certified copies cost about $28 each. Get several for banks, insurance, and court. Processing takes one to two weeks.

The California Department of Public Health is in Sacramento. Mail orders to P.O. Box 997410, Sacramento CA 95899-7410. Call 916-445-2684 with questions. State processing takes three to four weeks. Online ordering is available through their website.

Only authorized people can order death certificates. This includes family members, legal representatives, and people with property interests. Bring valid ID when ordering. Prove your relationship or authority.

Other Fresno County Cities

These cities near Fresno also use Fresno County Superior Court for probate: Clovis, Sanger, Coalinga, and Reedley. All cases go to 1130 O Street in Fresno.

For neighboring counties, see: Madera County, Kings County, Tulare County, and Merced County.

How to Search Cases

Contact the Fresno County probate division to search cases. The county does not have a public online search portal. Call 559-457-1888 with case information. Staff can look up cases by name or number. You can also visit in person during office hours.

Bring as much information as possible. Full legal name works best. Date of death helps narrow results. If you have a case number, that gives you exact results. Fresno County case numbers follow a standard format.

Older probate cases may require searching paper archives. For estates from decades ago, allow extra time. Call ahead to explain what you need. Staff can tell you if records are accessible and how long retrieval takes.

Remember that not all deaths create probate cases. Small estates use simplified procedures with no court file. Assets with beneficiaries transfer outside probate. Living trusts avoid probate entirely. If no case exists, the estate may have used an alternative method.