Orange County Probate Case Access

Orange County handles all probate matters through the Superior Court probate division located at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 3390 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa. This facility processes estate administration cases, conservatorships, and guardianships for one of California's most populous counties. The clerk office is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. You can access probate case information online through the Orange County court portal at occourts.org, which allows you to search for cases and view documents. The system uses Tyler Odyssey technology, providing robust search capabilities and document access for public records.

Orange County Superior Court Probate

The probate division operates from the Costa Mesa Justice Complex at 3390 Harbor Boulevard. All probate filings for Orange County go through this location. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Arrive early if you need to file documents or speak with clerk staff.

The court uses Tyler Odyssey case management software. This system powers the online case access portal and manages all probate records electronically. The technology allows for efficient case processing and convenient online access for the public.

Visit the Orange County court website at occourts.org for comprehensive information about the probate division. The site includes local rules, forms, hearing calendars, and contact information. You can find answers to frequently asked questions and links to helpful resources.

Parking at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex includes a parking structure adjacent to the courthouse. Pay parking fees at automated machines. Bring change or a credit card. Public transportation serves the area with bus routes stopping near the courthouse.

Search Probate Cases Online

Orange County provides robust online access to probate records. Visit the case access portal at occourts.org to search for cases. You can search by case number, party name, attorney name, or other criteria. The system returns detailed case information including filing dates, hearing schedules, and document lists.

Many court documents are viewable through the online portal. Click on a document name to view it. Some documents require a fee to download or print. The system shows which documents are available and any associated costs. You can view register of actions entries for free.

The online system updates regularly throughout the day. Recent filings may take a few hours to appear online. For urgent case status questions, call the clerk office rather than relying solely on the online portal. The phone number is listed on the court website.

Certified copies must be requested from the clerk office. You cannot obtain certified copies through the online system. Visit in person or send a written request by mail. Certification costs $40 for the first page plus $0.50 for each additional page.

Filing Probate Cases

To start probate in Orange County, file form DE-111 Petition for Probate at the Costa Mesa courthouse. Attach a certified death certificate and the original will if one exists. Pay the $435 filing fee. The clerk assigns a case number and schedules a hearing, typically six to eight weeks out.

After filing, publish notice once weekly for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper approved by the court. The Orange County Register is commonly used. Mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries. File proof of publication and mailing with the court before your hearing date. The court website lists approved newspapers.

At the hearing, the judge reviews your petition and supporting documents. Bring copies of everything you filed. If approved, the judge issues an Order for Probate and Letters. These give you authority to manage estate assets. You can then access bank accounts, sell property, and handle estate business.

File an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of receiving Letters. This document lists all estate property and values. Some assets require appraisal by a court-appointed probate referee. The court provides a list of approved referees serving Orange County. They charge fees based on the value of property appraised.

During estate administration, file accountings showing all money received and spent. When ready to close the estate, file a Petition for Final Distribution with another $435 fee. This requires a final accounting and a hearing. After the judge approves distribution, you can transfer assets to heirs and close the case.

Legal Help and Resources

Orange County residents can access the California Courts Self-Help Center at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov for probate information. This statewide resource provides guides, videos, and form instructions. Live chat support is available during business hours.

The Public Law Center in Santa Ana provides free legal services to low income Orange County residents. Call 714-541-1010 to see if you qualify for help with probate matters. They serve clients who meet income guidelines.

The Orange County Office on Aging offers legal advocacy services for seniors. Call 714-480-6450 for information about programs that may help with probate issues. They focus on serving elderly residents.

For personalized legal advice, hire a probate attorney. The Orange County Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service. Many attorneys offer initial consultations at reduced rates. Ask about flat fee arrangements for routine probate cases.

Small Estate Procedures

Estates valued at $208,850 or less may use simplified small estate procedures. These avoid the time and cost of full probate. California offers different procedures depending on the type of property involved.

For personal property like bank accounts 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. They release assets 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 with the court and pay a filing fee. The court issues an order. Record the order with the county recorder to transfer title.

The $208,850 threshold applies to deaths on or after April 1, 2025. Earlier deaths have different limits. Check the date of death to determine the correct threshold for your case.

Note: Calculate estate value carefully. Include all assets owned by the decedent. Real property is valued at fair market value minus loans secured by the property. Consult an attorney if the estate value is close to the threshold.

Major Cities in Orange County

Orange County includes many large cities. All probate cases are filed at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex regardless of which city the decedent lived in.

Cities with populations over 100,000: Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, and Newport Beach.

Nearby Counties

If your probate case is in a neighboring county, visit these pages: Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and San Diego County.