Placer County Probate Records Online

Placer County Superior Court processes all probate cases for the county. Estate administration, conservatorships, and guardianships are handled by the court's probate division. You can contact the court by email at CIC@placer.courts.ca.gov for general information about probate procedures. Placer County provides online access to probate case information through their web portal at webportal.placerco.org. The online system includes court documents filed from August 28, 2017 forward. Earlier records must be requested from the clerk office directly. The web portal allows you to search cases and view many documents without visiting the courthouse in person.

Placer County Superior Court

The Placer County court system serves one of the fastest growing counties in California. The probate division handles estate administration cases for the entire county. Court locations exist in both Auburn and Roseville, though probate matters are centralized.

Contact the court by email at CIC@placer.courts.ca.gov for general information about probate procedures. Email can be useful for simple questions about filing requirements or case status. For complex issues or urgent matters, phone contact or in-person visits may be more effective.

The Placer County court website at placer.courts.ca.gov provides detailed information about the probate division. The site includes local rules, forms, and helpful resources. You can find answers to frequently asked questions and links to statewide probate information.

Placer County uses standard California Judicial Council forms for all probate filings. Download forms from courts.ca.gov and complete them before filing. The court expects all required fields to be filled out completely and accurately.

Web Portal Access

Placer County offers online case access through their web portal. Visit webportal.placerco.org to search for probate cases. You can search by case number, party name, or attorney name. The system shows case information and documents filed from August 28, 2017 forward.

Documents filed before August 2017 are not available through the online portal. For older records, contact the clerk office directly by email at CIC@placer.courts.ca.gov or by phone. Specify the case number and names of parties when requesting information about pre-2017 cases.

The portal displays register of actions entries for all cases. You can see filing dates, hearing dates, and brief descriptions of documents. Many documents are viewable online. Click on a document name to view it. Some documents may require a fee to download or print.

The online system updates regularly but may not show same-day filings. Allow a day or two for recent documents to appear in the portal. For urgent case status questions, contact the court directly rather than relying solely on online information.

Filing Probate in Placer County

Start a probate case by filing form DE-111 Petition for Probate with the Placer County clerk. Attach a certified death certificate. Include the original will if one exists. Pay the $435 filing fee by check or money order.

The clerk assigns a case number and schedules a hearing date. Hearings are usually set six to eight weeks from the filing date. You must publish notice in a newspaper approved by the court. Mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries. File proof of publication and proof of mailing before your hearing.

At the hearing, the judge reviews your petition and supporting documents. If everything is in order, the judge issues an Order for Probate and Letters. These Letters authorize you to manage estate assets. You can then handle bank accounts, sell property, and pay debts.

Within four months of receiving Letters, file an Inventory and Appraisal. List all estate assets and their values. Some items require appraisal by a court-appointed probate referee. The court maintains a list of approved referees. They charge fees based on asset values.

File accountings during estate administration 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 distribute assets to heirs and close the case.

Legal Help and Resources

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

For personalized legal advice, consider hiring a probate attorney. The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service. Many attorneys offer initial consultations to discuss your case and explain fees. Ask about flat fee arrangements for straightforward probate cases.

Legal aid organizations may assist qualified low income residents with probate matters. Legal Services of Northern California serves several counties including Placer. Contact their office to see if you meet income eligibility requirements.

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

Small Estate Alternatives

If the total estate value is $208,850 or less, you may not need full probate. California provides simplified procedures for small estates. These options are faster and less expensive than regular estate administration.

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 institutions holding estate assets. They release property without court involvement. No filing fee is required for personal property affidavits.

Real property valued at $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 reviews it and issues an order. Record the order with the county recorder to transfer title.

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

Note: Calculate the gross estate value, including all assets owned by the decedent. Real property is valued at fair market value minus loans secured by the property. If the estate is close to the threshold, consult an attorney about which procedure to use.

Cities in Placer County

Placer County includes the city of Roseville, which has a population over 100,000. All probate cases for city residents are filed with the county Superior Court. Cities do not operate their own probate courts.

Adjacent Counties

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