Mariposa County Probate Records

The Superior Court of Mariposa County handles all probate matters for residents and property owners in this small mountain community near Yosemite National Park. Estate administration cases, conservatorships, and guardianships get filed at the courthouse located at 5088 Bullion Street in Mariposa. The clerk office is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM. You can file probate documents in person during these hours or request information by calling 209-966-2005. The court serves a rural population with limited online services but maintains all required records for public access.

Mariposa Superior Court Probate Division

The Mariposa County Superior Court operates from a historic courthouse building on Bullion Street. This is one of California's oldest continuously operating courthouses. All probate cases go through this single location. The court handles probate, conservatorships, guardianships, and related estate matters for the entire county.

Court staff can answer general questions about filing procedures and required forms. Call 209-966-2005 during business hours. The clerk office is open from 8 AM to 3 PM on weekdays. They close for lunch from noon to 1 PM most days. Arrive early if you need help with filings or have questions about your case.

The Mariposa court website at mariposa.courts.ca.gov provides basic information about probate procedures. The site includes contact details and directions to the courthouse. Most forms are available through the statewide California Courts website rather than locally.

Mariposa County uses standard California Judicial Council forms for all probate filings. You can download these forms from courts.ca.gov and complete them before coming to the courthouse. Bring the original will if one exists, a certified death certificate, and payment for the $435 filing fee. The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders.

Filing Estate Documents

To start a probate case in Mariposa County, file form DE-111 Petition for Probate with the clerk office. You need to attach a certified copy of the death certificate. If the decedent left a will, bring the original. The filing fee is $435. The court schedules a hearing date about six to eight weeks after you file.

After filing, you must publish notice in a local newspaper. The Mariposa Gazette serves this purpose for most cases. You also mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries listed in the will or identified under intestate succession laws. File proof of notice with the court before your hearing date. Staff at the clerk office can explain what proof of notice documents you need.

At the first hearing, the judge reviews your petition and supporting documents. If approved, the judge issues Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary. These give you authority to manage estate assets. You then file an Inventory and Appraisal within four months. This lists all property, accounts, and valuables owned by the decedent.

Most Mariposa County probate cases take nine to twelve months to complete. Simple estates with minimal assets may finish faster. Complex estates with real property, business interests, or disputes between heirs can take longer. The court requires periodic accountings and a final petition for distribution before closing the estate.

Online Case Information

Mariposa County does not currently offer online case search for probate records. You must contact the clerk office directly to check on case status or obtain case information. Call 209-966-2005 or visit in person during business hours.

To request copies of court documents, you can mail a written request to Superior Court of Mariposa County, 5088 Bullion Street, Mariposa, CA 95338. Include the case number if known, the names of the parties, and the date range of documents you need. There is a fee for copies, typically $0.50 per page plus $40 for certification if you need certified copies.

Death certificates for Mariposa County residents can be obtained from the California Department of Public Health. You need a certified death certificate to start a probate case. Order online or by mail through the state vital records office.

Legal Help in Mariposa County

Mariposa County has limited local legal aid resources due to its small population. The court does not operate a self-help center specifically for probate matters. However, you can access resources through statewide programs.

The California Courts Self-Help Center at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov offers detailed guides for handling probate without an attorney. The site includes video tutorials, step by step instructions, and explanations of common probate procedures. You can also access live chat support during business hours.

For legal advice specific to your situation, consider consulting a probate attorney. The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service. Many attorneys offer initial consultations at reduced rates. Some handle straightforward probate cases on a flat fee basis.

Nearby legal aid organizations may assist low income residents with probate matters. Legal Services of Northern California serves several rural counties including Mariposa. Contact them to see if you qualify for free legal help.

Small Estate Procedures

If the estate value is $208,850 or less, you may not need full probate. California allows simplified procedures for small estates. Use form DE-310 Affidavit Re Real Property of Small Value for real property worth less than $70,000. Use form DE-305 Affidavit for Collection or Transfer of Personal Property for other assets.

These affidavits let you transfer property without court supervision. You still file them with the court and pay a small filing fee. But you skip the lengthy probate process. This works well for estates with just a house, bank accounts, and personal items.

Small estate thresholds adjust every three years. The current limit of $208,850 applies to deaths on or after April 1, 2025. Different limits applied to earlier deaths. Check the date of death to determine which threshold applies to your case.

Note: Real property must be appraised even for small estate transfers. You may need to hire a probate referee to value real estate and certain other assets. The court can provide a list of approved probate referees serving Mariposa County.

Nearby Counties

Mariposa County borders several other California counties. If you need probate services in neighboring areas, visit these pages: Madera County, Merced County, Tuolumne County, and Mono County.