Probate Court Records in Madera County

Madera County maintains probate court records at the Superior Court located at 200 South G Street in Madera. The probate court division processes all estate matters for the county, including wills, estate administration, conservatorships, and guardianships. The clerk's office window operates from 8 AM to 3 PM on weekdays. Call the probate division at 559-416-5525 for information about filing requirements and case status. Madera County offers an online case portal that allows you to search probate records and view documents from home. The county's agricultural economy and location near Yosemite mean estates often include farms, vineyards, and mountain properties requiring specialized handling during probate.

Search Cases Online

Madera County provides an online case portal at madera-prod-portal.ecourt.com. Search probate cases by name or case number. The system shows filed documents, hearing dates, and case status for active and closed matters.

You can view many documents through the portal without charge. Some documents may require payment to download or print. Certified copies must be requested through the clerk's office and cannot be obtained online.

The portal uses Tyler eCourt software. Create a free account to access full features. Without an account, you can still search but with limited viewing options. The system works on computers, tablets, and phones.

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

Madera Courthouse

The courthouse sits on South G Street in downtown Madera. Public parking is available around the building. The clerk's office handles probate filings and inquiries. The window is open from 8 AM to 3 PM.

Arrive before 3 PM if you need to file documents or ask questions. The window closes promptly at that time. Staff cannot accept late filings after the window closes. Plan accordingly.

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

Clerk staff 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.

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 typically 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.

Madera County has specific newspapers that meet legal publication requirements. Ask the clerk for the approved list. Using an incorrect newspaper means republishing and delaying your case. Confirm the list before publishing.

File proof of mailing and proof of publication before the hearing. The judge reviews these proofs to confirm proper notice. Missing proofs delay your case. The judge may continue the hearing until you file them.

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

Farm and Vineyard Estates

Madera County's agricultural base means many estates include farms, vineyards, and orchards. These properties need immediate attention during probate. Irrigation schedules, harvest timing, and equipment maintenance all continue during estate administration.

If you inherit operating farmland or vineyards, act quickly. Crops need water and care. Equipment may be leased or financed. Workers may be employed. You need court authority to continue business operations during probate.

File a petition requesting permission to operate the farm or vineyard. Explain why continued operation is necessary. The judge can authorize you to manage day-to-day business activities. This prevents crop loss and maintains property values.

Water rights carry significant value in Madera County. Document all water allocations and rights. Check with local irrigation districts to confirm allocations attached to estate property. These rights transfer with land but must be properly recorded.

The probate referee values agricultural property and business assets. These appraisals can be complex. The referee may consult agricultural specialists or business valuators. Expert fees come from the estate.

Mountain and Recreational Property

Estates in eastern Madera County may include mountain properties near Yosemite. Vacation homes, cabins, and recreational land need proper valuation. Access can be seasonal for some mountain properties. Snow closes roads in winter.

Timber rights may exist on mountain properties. Document any timber holdings or harvest rights. These carry separate value from the land itself. The County Recorder and state agencies maintain records of timber rights.

Rental income from vacation properties continues during probate. Document all rental agreements and income. You may need court permission to continue renting property. Good records prevent disputes about income and expenses.

Filing the Inventory

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, equipment, and personal property. Do not omit anything.

A court-appointed referee values most assets. The referee researches values and completes the appraisal. Real estate typically needs separate professional appraisals. The referee coordinates this process.

The referee charges fees based on asset values. This is a statutory percentage. The fee comes from estate funds. The referee's report shows all fees charged.

Keep detailed records of all estate transactions. Document money coming in and going out. Save receipts and statements. You will need these records for accountings later.

Small Estate Options

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.

Personal property under the limit can transfer with an affidavit. Wait 40 days after death. Then present the small estate affidavit to whoever holds the property. They must release it without court involvement.

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.

Not all estates under the limit qualify. Disputes, creditor claims, or complex assets may require full probate. Consider consulting an attorney if unsure which process to use.

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 get copies at the courthouse. The DE series covers probate matters. Each form includes instructions.

The initial filing fee is $435. Final distribution petitions cost another $435. Certified copies run $40 plus 50 cents per page. Other fees apply to specific filings.

Getting Legal Assistance

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

Legal aid may be available if you qualify based on income. Contact Legal Services organizations serving Madera County to learn about eligibility.

Private probate attorneys practice in Madera County. Many charge flat fees for straightforward cases. Complex estates typically bill by the hour. The State Bar referral service can provide names of local lawyers.

Nearby Counties

For probate matters in neighboring counties, visit: Fresno County, Mariposa County, Merced County, and Tulare County.