San Bernardino Probate Records

Probate matters for San Bernardino residents go through the county court system. The city itself does not run a probate court or handle estate cases. All probate proceedings, including wills, estates, conservatorships, and guardianship cases, are filed with San Bernardino County Superior Court. The probate division is at 247 West Third Street in downtown San Bernardino. This is the only court that can open probate cases for people who lived in San Bernardino when they passed away. The county court also handles cases when the deceased owned property in the county, even if they lived elsewhere.

County Court Handles All Cases

California state law assigns probate work to county Superior Courts. Cities have no authority to handle these cases. If someone lived in San Bernardino and dies, the executor or family member files the probate petition at San Bernardino County Superior Court. This applies to all city residents no matter which neighborhood they lived in.

The court building is downtown at 247 West Third Street. Call 909-521-3388 for general information. The clerk staff can help with basic filing questions and accept documents at the public counter during business hours.

San Bernardino County uses an online case portal. The system is called CAP. Access it at cap.sb-court.org. Search by name or case number. The database shows filed documents and upcoming court dates. You can view case information without creating an account.

The county allows electronic filing for most probate documents. You can also file in person at the clerk window or send filings by mail to the courthouse address. Many attorneys use the e-filing system, but people representing themselves often file in person.

How to Start a Probate Case

Get form DE-111 to start. This is the Petition for Probate. You can download it from courts.ca.gov. Fill it out completely. Attach a certified death certificate. Include the original will if there is one.

Take these documents to the courthouse downtown. Pay the $435 filing fee. The clerk will accept cash, money order, or credit card. They assign a case number and set a hearing date about six to eight weeks out.

After filing, you must publish notice in a local newspaper. The San Bernardino Sun is commonly used. You also send notice by mail to all heirs and beneficiaries. File proof of these notices with the court before your hearing date. The clerk staff can explain notice requirements when you file.

Attend the hearing. The judge reviews your petition and supporting papers. Most hearings are brief. If the judge approves everything, you receive Letters of Administration. These letters give you authority to act for the estate. You can then access accounts, pay bills, and handle estate business.

Legal Help for San Bernardino Residents

The San Bernardino County Law Library is inside the courthouse. They have probate forms and legal reference books. Librarians can help you find resources but cannot give legal advice.

Several organizations offer free or low-cost help:

• Inland Counties Legal Services at 909-884-8615 assists low-income residents with probate questions
• San Bernardino County Bar Association Lawyer Referral at 909-885-1986
• Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino at 909-889-7328
• Court Self-Help Center for form assistance

The courthouse also has a self-help center. Staff can answer procedural questions and help fill out forms. They cannot represent you or give advice about your specific case. Walk-in service is available during business hours.

Note: Small estates worth less than $208,850 may qualify for simplified procedures that skip full probate. Check form DE-300 for current thresholds. Use form DE-310 for personal property or DE-305 for real estate. These abbreviated processes save time and money.

Getting Death Certificates

You need certified death certificates to file probate petitions. Get them from the San Bernardino County Registrar or from the state. The county office processes recent deaths faster. The state office has older records going back decades.

The county registrar is at 222 West Hospitality Lane, third floor. You can also order online through the county website. Certified copies cost about $28 each. Processing takes one to two weeks for mail orders. Walk-in service is faster.

For state orders, contact the California Department of Public Health Vital Records office in Sacramento. Mail requests to P.O. Box 997410, Sacramento CA 95899-7410. Call 916-445-2684 for questions. Online ordering available at cdph.ca.gov. State processing takes three to four weeks.

Nearby Cities

Other San Bernardino County cities that use the same probate court include Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Victorville, and Rialto. All residents in these cities file at the same downtown San Bernardino courthouse.

For adjacent counties, see: Riverside County, Los Angeles County, and Orange County.

Finding Probate Cases Online

When you search the CAP system, try different name variations. Search last name only first. Then try with first name. Some people used nicknames but legal documents have their full name. Women may have cases under maiden names.

If you know the case number, enter it exactly as shown on any paperwork you have. Include all letters and numbers. The system is sensitive to exact formatting.

Older cases may not appear online. The county digitized records from recent years but earlier estates may only exist on paper. Contact the clerk office if you need to find an older case. They can search archived files, but retrieval takes extra time.

Not all deaths result in probate cases. Many estates are too small and use simplified procedures. Assets with beneficiaries transfer outside probate. Some people set up living trusts that avoid probate completely. If you cannot find a case, it may not exist.