Probate Records in Mendocino County

Mendocino County operates two Superior Court locations that handle probate cases. The main courthouse is in Ukiah at 100 North State Street, Room 107. A second location serves the coastal area in Fort Bragg at 700 South Franklin Street. Both offices process estate administration, conservatorships, and guardianships. You can file probate documents at either location depending on which is more convenient. The Ukiah office phone number is 707-468-2005. Fort Bragg can be reached at 707-964-3192. Standard court hours apply at both locations for walk-in service and document filing.

Mendocino Superior Court Locations

The primary Mendocino County Superior Court facility is in Ukiah. This location handles most probate filings for the county. The probate division is located in Room 107 on the first floor. Staff can help you with filing procedures and answer basic questions about court processes.

Fort Bragg offers a coastal courthouse option for residents living in the western part of the county. This location provides the same services as Ukiah. You can file a petition for probate, submit accountings, or request hearings at either courthouse. Both locations use the same case management system, so your case file is accessible at both offices.

Visit the Mendocino County court website at mendocino.courts.ca.gov for information about the probate division. The site includes forms, local rules, and contact information for both court locations. You can also find hearing calendars and tentative rulings posted online.

Parking is available at both courthouse locations. Ukiah has street parking and a public lot nearby. Fort Bragg offers limited parking adjacent to the courthouse building. Plan to arrive early for hearings as parking fills up quickly on court days.

How to File Probate Cases

Start a probate case by filing form DE-111 Petition for Probate at either the Ukiah or Fort Bragg courthouse. Attach a certified death certificate. Include the original will if the decedent left one. Pay the $435 filing fee with cash, check, or money order.

The clerk assigns a case number and schedules your first hearing. This usually occurs six to eight weeks from the filing date. You must publish notice in a newspaper circulating in Mendocino County. The Ukiah Daily Journal is commonly used for this purpose. Mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries. File proof of publication and mailing with the court before your hearing.

If the judge approves your petition, you receive Letters authorizing you to act as estate representative. File an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of receiving your Letters. This document lists all estate assets and their values. A court-appointed probate referee may need to appraise certain items.

During estate administration, you may need to file petitions for various purposes. These include selling real property, approving accountings, and distributing assets. Each petition requires its own filing fee and hearing. Keep detailed records of all estate transactions. You will need these for your final accounting.

When ready to close the estate, file a Petition for Final Distribution. This requires another $435 fee. The petition includes a final accounting showing all money received and spent. The judge reviews this at a hearing and approves distribution to heirs if everything is in order.

Accessing Case Records

Mendocino County does not currently provide online case search for probate records. You need to contact the clerk office to check case status or obtain documents. Call the Ukiah office at 707-468-2005 or Fort Bragg at 707-964-3192.

To get copies of court documents, visit either courthouse in person or send a written request by mail. Address mail to Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino, 100 North State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482. Include the case number, party names, and specific documents you need. Copy fees are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40.

Court files can be viewed in person during business hours. Ask the clerk staff for access to public records. Bring identification and the case number if you have it. Some documents may be confidential or sealed by court order. The clerk will explain which records you can access.

Legal Assistance and Resources

Mendocino County does not operate a dedicated self-help center for probate matters. However, general court self-help services are available. Contact the court to ask about available resources for people representing themselves in probate cases.

The California Courts Self-Help website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov provides comprehensive information about probate procedures. This resource includes instructional videos, form completion guides, and answers to common questions. The site offers live chat support during business hours with staff who can provide procedural information.

Legal Services of Northern California may assist low income residents with probate matters. Call their office to determine if you qualify for free legal help. They serve multiple rural counties including Mendocino.

Private probate attorneys practice throughout Mendocino County. The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service that can connect you with local attorneys. Many offer initial consultations to discuss your case and provide fee estimates. Some attorneys handle routine probate cases on a flat fee basis rather than hourly billing.

Alternatives for Small Estates

California law provides simplified procedures for estates valued at $208,850 or less. These small estate options let you transfer property without full probate administration. The process is faster and costs less than regular probate.

For personal property like bank accounts and vehicles, use form DE-305 Affidavit for Collection or Transfer of Personal Property. Present this affidavit to banks, the DMV, or other institutions holding estate assets. They will release the property to you without a court order. Wait at least 40 days after death before using this procedure.

Real property worth $70,000 or less can be transferred using form DE-310 Affidavit Re Real Property of Small Value. File this with the court in the county where the property is located. The court reviews it and issues an order allowing transfer of the property. This is much faster than full probate but still requires court involvement.

Check the small estate threshold based on the date of death. The $208,850 limit applies to deaths on or after April 1, 2025. Earlier deaths have different thresholds. If the estate is close to the limit, get professional advice about which procedure to use.

Note: Even small estates may require full probate if there are disputes among heirs, significant debts, or complex assets like business interests. Consult with an attorney if your situation involves any complications.

Neighboring County Courts

If you need probate services in counties near Mendocino, check these resources: Sonoma County, Lake County, Glenn County, Trinity County, and Humboldt County.