Lassen County Probate Court

Lassen County probate court records are filed and maintained at the Superior Court located at 2610 Riverside Drive in Susanville. The probate division processes all estate matters for the county, including wills, estate administration, conservatorships, and guardianships. Court hours run from 8 AM to noon, then 1 PM to 4 PM on weekdays. Call the probate division at 530-251-8205 to speak with staff about filing requirements or case status. Lassen County serves a rural, sparsely populated area in northeastern California with ranching and outdoor recreation as key economic drivers, which means estates often include ranch properties, grazing rights, and rural land holdings.

Susanville Courthouse

The Lassen County courthouse operates on Riverside Drive in Susanville. The probate division shares space within the courthouse. Walk into the main entrance and ask for directions to the clerk's office that handles probate matters.

Court hours break for lunch from noon to 1 PM. Staff are not available during this hour. Plan your visit before noon or after 1 PM if you need help. The clerk window closes promptly at 4 PM each day.

The court website at lassen.courts.ca.gov provides probate division information. Check the site for holiday closures and schedule changes. The website posts updates about court operations.

Clerk staff can accept filings and answer basic procedural questions. They provide forms and process payments. They cannot give legal advice about your specific case. For legal guidance, consult an attorney or use self-help resources.

How to File Probate

Start probate by filing form DE-111, the Petition for Probate. Attach a certified death certificate and the original will if one exists. Pay the $435 filing fee at the clerk window. Payments accepted include cash, check, or money order.

The court sets a hearing date after you file. Expect this to be six to eight weeks out. You must notify all interested parties before the hearing. Send written notice to heirs and beneficiaries by mail. Publish notice in an approved newspaper.

Lassen County has limited newspaper options for legal publication. Ask the clerk which papers meet the requirements. Using an incorrect newspaper means republishing and delaying your case. Confirm the approved list before publishing.

File proof of notice before your hearing. The judge needs to see that you properly notified everyone. Missing proofs will cause delays. The judge may continue the hearing until you file the required proofs.

At the hearing, the judge reviews your petition and supporting documents. The judge asks questions about the estate and your qualifications. If satisfied, the judge grants probate and issues Letters. These documents authorize you to manage estate assets, pay debts, and eventually distribute property.

Ranch and Rural Land Estates

Lassen County estates frequently include ranch properties, grazing lands, and rural holdings. These assets need special attention during probate. Grazing rights, water rights, and Bureau of Land Management permits all affect property value and use.

If you inherit an operating ranch, immediate action is needed. Livestock require daily care. Grazing permits must be maintained. Equipment and facilities need protection. You may need court permission to continue ranch operations during probate.

File a petition requesting authority to operate the ranch or farm. Explain why continued operation is necessary. The judge can authorize you to manage day-to-day activities. This prevents loss of income and maintains property values during the probate process.

Grazing permits on federal land carry value but face restrictions on transfer. The Bureau of Land Management administers many of these permits. Check permit status and transfer requirements early. Some permits may expire or need renewal during probate.

Water rights in rural Lassen County vary by location. Some properties have well water. Others rely on surface water rights or shares in irrigation systems. Document all water sources and rights. These must be properly valued and transferred.

Asset Inventory Filing

Within four months of receiving Letters, file form DE-160. This Inventory and Appraisal lists every estate asset. Include real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, livestock, equipment, and personal property. Omitting assets creates problems later.

A court-appointed probate referee values most assets. The referee researches comparable sales and market values. Real estate usually requires separate professional appraisals. The referee coordinates this and compiles the final inventory.

Ranch equipment, livestock, and specialized assets may need expert valuations. The referee can hire specialists to provide opinions on value. These expert fees come from estate funds. The referee's final report includes all fees charged.

Keep detailed records from day one. Document all estate transactions. Save receipts and statements. You will need these records when filing accountings. Good records prevent disputes and simplify the closing process.

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 your 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 for personal property alone.

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. Fewer documents are required and the timeline is shorter.

Not all estates under the limit qualify. Creditor claims, disputes among heirs, or complex assets may require full probate. Evaluate your situation before choosing which process to use. An attorney can help you make the right choice.

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

Probate Forms and Costs

California uses standard forms statewide. Download them from courts.ca.gov or get copies at the courthouse. The DE series covers probate matters. Each form has instructions explaining how to complete it.

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, not your personal money. The referee includes fee information in the filed appraisal.

Recording fees are paid to the County Recorder when recording deeds or title documents. These are separate from court fees. Contact the recorder's office for current recording fee schedules.

Finding Legal Help

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

Legal aid programs may serve Lassen County residents who qualify based on income. Legal Services of Northern California provides free help to eligible clients. Contact them to learn about income limits and covered services.

Private attorneys practicing in or near Lassen County can handle probate matters. The county's small population means limited local attorney options. 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.

Probate Timeline

Expect nine months minimum for probate in Lassen 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 rural property can be slow due to limited buyers. Tax clearances also extend the timeline.

When ready to close, 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 distribution was completed. The judge signs the final order closing the estate.

Nearby Counties

For probate matters in neighboring counties, visit: Plumas County, Shasta County, Tehama County, Modoc County, and Sierra County.