Nevada County Probate Records Search

The Superior Court of Nevada County processes all probate cases at the courthouse in Nevada City, located at 201 Church Street. Estate administration, conservatorships, and guardianships for the county are handled here. You can file probate documents in person or contact the clerk office at 530-362-4309 for information about procedures and requirements. Nevada County offers online case access through their portal at nevada-portal.ecourt.com, where you can search for probate cases by name or case number. The online system provides convenient access to case information and some court documents without needing to visit the courthouse in person.

Nevada County Superior Court

The Nevada County courthouse in Nevada City serves as the central location for all probate matters. The building at 201 Church Street houses the probate division along with other court departments. Clerk staff process probate filings and can answer general questions about court procedures.

Contact the court at 530-362-4309 with questions about probate cases. Staff can provide information about filing requirements, hearing schedules, and court rules. They cannot give legal advice about your specific situation. Court hours are standard weekday business hours, typically 8 AM to 4 PM.

Visit the Nevada County court website at nevada.courts.ca.gov for details about the probate division. The site includes local rules, contact information, and links to forms. Most probate forms are standard California Judicial Council forms available statewide.

Nevada City is a historic Gold Rush town with a small downtown area. Parking near the courthouse includes street parking and public lots. The courthouse is located in the downtown historic district. Plan extra time to find parking and walk to the building.

Online Case Portal

Nevada County provides online access to probate case information through their case portal. Visit nevada-portal.ecourt.com to search for cases. You can look up cases by case number, party name, or attorney name. The system shows case details, hearing dates, and a register of actions.

The portal displays many court documents that you can view online. Some documents are available for free viewing. Others may require a fee to download or print. The system indicates which documents are accessible and any associated costs.

Case information updates regularly but may not show filings from the same day. Allow a day or two for recent filings to appear in the online system. For urgent questions about case status, call the clerk office directly.

Certified copies cannot be obtained through the online portal. You must request certified copies from the clerk office in person or by mail. Certification costs $40 for the first page plus $0.50 for each additional page.

Filing Probate Cases

To open a probate case in Nevada County, file form DE-111 Petition for Probate at the clerk window. Attach a certified copy of the death certificate. Include the original will if one exists. Pay the $435 filing fee by cash, check, or money order.

The clerk assigns a case number and sets a hearing date. Hearings are typically scheduled six to eight weeks after filing. You must publish notice in a newspaper circulating in Nevada County. The Union newspaper serves this purpose for most cases. Publish once a week for three consecutive weeks. Mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries. File proof of publication and mailing before your hearing.

Attend the hearing prepared to answer questions about your petition. The judge reviews all documents you filed. If approved, you receive an Order for Probate and Letters. These Letters give you authority to manage estate assets. You can then access accounts, sell property, and handle estate business.

File an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of receiving your Letters. List all estate property and values. Certain assets require appraisal by a court-appointed probate referee. The court provides a list of approved referees serving Nevada County.

During estate administration, file accountings and petitions as required. When ready to close the estate, file a Petition for Final Distribution. This requires another $435 fee and a final accounting. The judge reviews everything at a hearing. If approved, you can distribute assets to heirs and close the case.

Legal Help and Resources

Nevada County residents can access probate information through the California Courts Self-Help Center at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov. This statewide resource provides detailed guides about probate procedures. The site includes videos, form instructions, and answers to common questions. Live chat support is available during business hours.

For legal advice, consider consulting a probate attorney. The State Bar of California operates a referral service that can connect you with local attorneys. Many lawyers offer initial consultations at reduced rates. Ask about flat fee arrangements for straightforward probate cases.

Legal Services of Northern California may assist eligible low income residents with probate matters. Contact their office to see if you qualify based on your income and assets. They provide free legal help to those who meet their guidelines.

The clerk office can answer procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice. They can tell you what forms to file and explain court processes. They cannot advise you on legal strategy or how to handle specific issues in your case.

Small Estate Options

Estates valued at $208,850 or less may qualify for simplified procedures that avoid full probate. These options are faster and cost less than regular estate administration. California law provides two main small estate procedures.

For personal property such as bank accounts, stocks, and vehicles, use form DE-305 Affidavit for Collection or Transfer of Personal Property. Wait at least 40 days after death. Present the affidavit to banks and other institutions holding estate assets. They release the property without court involvement. No filing fee is required.

Real property worth $70,000 or less can be transferred using form DE-310 Affidavit Re Real Property of Small Value. File this affidavit with the court and pay a filing fee. The court issues an order allowing transfer. Record the order with the county recorder. This transfers title without full probate.

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

Note: Calculate the gross estate value, not the net after debts. Include all assets owned by the decedent. Real property is valued at fair market value minus loans secured by the property. Get professional advice if the estate is close to the threshold.

Adjacent County Courts

For probate services in counties near Nevada, see these resources: Placer County, Yuba County, Sierra County, and El Dorado County.