Probate Records in Inyo County

Inyo County Superior Court manages probate court records at two locations serving different parts of this large, rural county. The main courthouse operates in Independence at 168 North Edwards Street, while a branch location sits in Bishop at 301 West Line Street. Both facilities handle estate administration, wills, conservatorships, and guardianships for Inyo County residents and property owners. Court hours run from 8:30 AM to 4 PM with a break from noon to 1 PM. Call the probate division at 760-872-3038 for information about filing requirements and case status. Inyo County covers a vast geographic area with limited population, which affects how quickly cases move through the system.

Inyo County Court Locations

Independence serves as the county seat. The courthouse there handles most administrative functions. However, the Bishop location offers more convenient access for northern county residents. You can file documents at either location.

Check with the clerk before making a long trip. Some services may be available at only one location. Hearings typically occur at the Independence courthouse. However, the judge may schedule Bishop hearings in certain cases.

The court website at inyo.courts.ca.gov provides information about both locations. Look for directions, parking information, and any temporary service changes. The site posts holiday closures and schedule updates.

Remember the noon to 1 PM closure. Staff take lunch during this hour. The clerk window closes and no services are available. Plan your visit before noon or after 1 PM to ensure someone can help you.

Starting Your Probate Case

File form DE-111 to start probate. This is the Petition for Probate. Bring a certified death certificate. Include the original will if one exists. The $435 filing fee can be paid by cash, check, or money order.

After filing, the court schedules a hearing date. This is usually six to eight weeks out. You must notify all heirs and beneficiaries. Send them written notice by mail. Also publish notice in an approved newspaper.

Inyo County has limited newspaper options for legal notices. Ask the clerk which publications qualify. Make sure you use an approved paper. Using the wrong paper means starting the notice process over.

File proof of notice before your hearing. The judge needs to see that everyone was properly notified. Bring the proofs to your hearing or file them a few days early. Missing notice proofs delay everything.

At the hearing, the judge reviews your petition and all documents. The judge asks questions about the estate and your qualifications. If satisfied, the judge grants probate and issues Letters. These give you authority to manage estate assets.

Rural Estate Considerations

Inyo County is one of California's largest counties by area but smallest by population. Many estates include remote properties, mining claims, and rural land holdings. These assets present unique challenges during probate.

Valuing remote property can be difficult. Few sales of similar properties occur in sparsely populated areas. The probate referee may need extra time to research values. Specialized appraisers may be required for mining claims or water rights.

Access to some properties can be limited. Roads may be unpaved or closed seasonally. Take photos and document property conditions early in the process. This protects you if heirs later question asset conditions or values.

Mineral rights and mining claims need careful documentation. Old claims may have unclear status. The County Recorder and Bureau of Land Management maintain records. Check both sources to establish current ownership and value.

Water rights in Inyo County carry significant value. Document all water allocations attached to properties. These rights transfer with real estate but must be properly recorded. Missing or unclear water rights can delay property sales or distributions.

Asset Inventory and Appraisal

Within four months of receiving Letters, file form DE-160. This Inventory and Appraisal lists all estate assets. Include real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and personal property. Do not leave anything out.

The probate referee values most assets. The referee is appointed by the State Controller and assigned to your case. The referee researches values and completes the appraisal. Real estate may require a separate professional appraisal.

The referee charges fees based on property values. This comes from estate funds, not your money. The fee is a small percentage of the total appraised value. The referee includes fee information in the filed appraisal.

Keep detailed records of all estate transactions. Document money coming in and going out. Save receipts and statements. You will need these records for accounting filings later. Good records from the start prevent problems at the end.

Small Estate Options

Estates under $208,850 may qualify for simplified procedures. This limit applies to deaths on or after April 1, 2025. Earlier deaths use lower thresholds. Verify which amount applies to your case based on when death occurred.

Small estates with only personal property can skip probate entirely. Use form DE-310, the small estate affidavit. Wait 40 days after death. Then present the affidavit to banks, vehicle departments, or others holding property. They must release it to you without court involvement.

Real property valued under the limit uses a different procedure. You still file a petition and attend a hearing. However, the process is simpler than full probate. Fewer documents are required and the timeline is shorter.

Some estates under the limit still need full probate. Disputes among heirs, complex assets, or creditor claims may require the full process. Consider consulting an attorney if you are unsure which procedure to use.

Note: Small estate thresholds change every three years under California Probate Code section 890.

Required Forms and Filing Fees

California uses standard forms for all probate cases. Get them from the courthouse or download from courts.ca.gov. The DE series covers probate matters. Each form has instructions explaining how to complete it.

Form DE-111 starts the case. Form DE-140 is the court order granting probate. Form DE-150 provides the Letters authorizing you to act. Form DE-160 lists the estate inventory. Form DE-295 closes the case.

The initial filing fee is $435. You pay another $435 when filing the final petition to close the estate. Certified copies cost $40 plus 50 cents per page. Other miscellaneous fees apply to various filings.

Recording fees are paid to the County Recorder when recording deeds or other documents. These are separate from court fees. The recorder's office can provide a current fee schedule.

Getting Legal Help

The California Courts self-help site at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov offers free resources. Find forms, instructions, and answers to common questions. Video guides walk through filing procedures step by step.

Inyo County has limited local legal resources due to its small population. Legal aid programs may serve the county on a limited basis. Contact Legal Services of Northern California to learn about available help.

Private attorneys practicing in Inyo County can handle probate matters. Due to the small local bar, you may need to hire an attorney from a neighboring county. The State Bar referral service can provide names of probate lawyers serving the area.

Nearby Counties

For probate cases in neighboring counties, visit: Mono County, Tulare County, Kern County, and San Bernardino County.