Kings County Estate Probate

Kings County handles all probate court records through the Superior Court in Hanford at 1640 Kings County Drive. Estate matters including wills, probate administration, conservatorships, and guardianships are processed by the civil division. You can reach the court at 559-582-1010 during regular business hours to ask about filing procedures or check on case status. The county offers an online portal where you can search probate records and view case documents from home. Kings County's agricultural economy means many estates include farms, dairies, and related business operations that need careful handling during estate administration.

Search Cases Online

Kings County runs an online case portal at portal.kings.courts.ca.gov. Search probate cases by name or case number. The system shows filed documents, hearing dates, and register of actions. You can view information for both active and closed cases.

The portal lets you access many court documents without charge. Some documents may require payment to download or print. Certified copies must be requested through the clerk's office. They cannot be obtained online.

Create a free account to access full portal features. Without an account, you can still search but with limited viewing options. The portal works on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

For older records not available online, contact the clerk's office directly. Historical files may be archived offsite. Retrieval can take several weeks depending on the age of the case.

Hanford Courthouse

The Kings County courthouse sits on Kings County Drive in Hanford. Public parking is available around the building. The civil division handles probate filings and inquiries.

Court staff at the clerk window accept filings and process payments. They answer basic procedural questions. They cannot give legal advice or tell you how to handle your specific case. For legal guidance, consult an attorney.

The court website at kings.courts.ca.gov provides information about services and procedures. Check the site for holiday closures and any schedule changes before making the trip to the courthouse.

Filing a Probate Petition

Begin probate by filing form DE-111, the Petition for Probate. Include a certified death certificate and the original will if one exists. The filing fee is $435. Pay by cash, check, or money order.

After filing, the court sets a hearing date. This is usually six to eight weeks out. You must give notice to all interested parties. Mail written notice to heirs and beneficiaries. Publish notice in an approved newspaper. Kings County has specific newspapers that meet legal publication requirements.

File proof of mailing and proof of publication before the hearing. The judge needs to see that you properly notified everyone. Missing or incorrect proofs delay your case. Make sure you follow all notice requirements carefully.

At the hearing, the judge reviews your petition and all supporting documents. The judge may ask questions about the estate or your ability to serve. If satisfied, the judge grants probate and issues Letters. These documents give you authority to manage estate assets.

Within four months of receiving Letters, file form DE-160, the Inventory and Appraisal. List all estate property. A court-appointed referee values most assets. Real estate may need separate professional appraisals.

Farm and Dairy Estates

Kings County's economy centers on agriculture. Many estates include operating farms, dairies, and agricultural businesses. These need immediate attention during probate. Crops, livestock, and equipment require ongoing management.

If you inherit an operating farm or dairy, act quickly. Animals need daily care. Crops have planting and harvest schedules. Equipment may be leased or financed. You may need court permission to continue operations during probate.

File a petition requesting authority to operate the business. Explain the situation and why continued operation is necessary. The judge can authorize you to manage day-to-day business activities while probate proceeds. This prevents loss of income and maintains asset values.

Water rights attach to much farmland in Kings County. These rights carry significant value. Document all water allocations and transfer rights properly. Check with local irrigation districts to confirm allocations attached to estate property.

The probate referee values agricultural property and business assets. These appraisals can be complex. The referee may consult with agricultural specialists or business valuators. These experts provide opinions on value. Their fees come from the estate.

Small Estate Procedures

Estates valued under $208,850 may use simplified procedures. This threshold applies to deaths on or after April 1, 2025. Earlier deaths use lower amounts. Check which limit applies based on the date of death.

Small estates with only personal property can skip probate. Wait 40 days after death. Then present a small estate affidavit to whoever holds the property. They must release it to you. No court filing is needed.

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

Not every estate under the limit qualifies. Creditor claims, disputes, or complex assets may require full probate. Evaluate your situation before deciding which process to use. An attorney can help you determine the best approach.

Note: The small estate threshold increases every three years per California Probate Code section 890.

Probate Forms and Fees

California uses standard forms statewide. Download them from courts.ca.gov or pick up copies at the courthouse. The DE series covers probate matters. Each form includes instructions.

The initial petition costs $435 to file. Final distribution petitions cost another $435. Certified copies run $40 plus 50 cents per page. Other miscellaneous fees apply to specific filings.

The probate referee charges fees based on asset values. This is a statutory percentage. The fee comes from estate funds. The referee includes fee information in the filed appraisal.

Finding Legal Assistance

The California Courts self-help website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov offers free resources. Find guides, forms, and videos explaining probate procedures. The site answers common questions and provides step-by-step instructions.

Legal aid may be available if you have limited income. Contact Legal Services of Northern California to learn about eligibility. Some programs focus on elder law and estate matters.

Private attorneys handle probate cases for a fee. Many offer flat rates for straightforward matters. Complex estates typically bill by the hour. The State Bar referral service can provide names of local probate lawyers.

How Long Probate Takes

Expect nine months minimum for probate in Kings County. Most cases take a year to eighteen months. The first hearing happens about two months after filing. Then you have four months to file the inventory.

During administration, you collect assets, pay debts, and file accountings. This phase takes the most time. Selling property can add months. Waiting for tax clearances also extends the timeline.

When ready to close, you file the final petition and accounting. The court schedules another hearing. After the judge approves distribution, you give assets to heirs. Then file receipts showing completion. The judge signs the final order closing the estate.

Nearby Counties

For probate cases in neighboring counties, visit: Tulare County, Fresno County, Kern County, and Monterey County.