Riverside County Probate Case Search

Riverside County handles probate cases at the main courthouse in downtown Riverside and at the Palm Springs location. The primary probate department is at 4050 Main Street in Riverside. You can file estate petitions, search case files, and get certified documents at either location. The county runs an online portal for case access. This lets you search probate records from home without visiting the courthouse. Most files from recent years are available through the web system. Older records may require an in-person visit or written request to the clerk office.

Riverside Superior Court Probate Division

The probate division serves all of Riverside County from two main locations. Call 951-777-3147 for the Riverside office. The Palm Springs location is at 760-393-2617. Both handle the same types of cases. Where you file depends on where the decedent lived or where most of their property is located.

Court hours run standard business days. The clerk window stays open for filings and questions. Expect wait times during peak morning hours. Afternoons tend to be less crowded. Bring all your documents organized and ready. The clerk can check if your paperwork is complete but cannot tell you how to fill out forms.

Visit the probate division website at riverside.courts.ca.gov for local rules and procedures. The site lists required forms and provides instructions for common filings. You can find hearing schedules and contact information for court staff. Local forms supplement the statewide Judicial Council forms.

Parking at the Riverside courthouse is available in nearby lots. The courthouse has limited on-site parking. Plan extra time to find a spot and walk to the building. Security screening is required for all visitors. Do not bring weapons, large bags, or prohibited items.

Access Cases Through the Web Portal

Riverside County offers online case access at epublic-access.riverside.courts.ca.gov. This portal lets you search probate cases by party name or case number. You can view the register of actions, see filed documents, and check hearing dates.

The system shows most documents filed in recent years. Some older cases have limited information. If you need certified copies, request them through the clerk office. The online portal is for viewing only. You cannot download official certified documents through the website.

Search is free but you may need to create an account to see full document images. Registration takes a few minutes. You provide basic contact information. The court uses this to track access to records and prevent misuse of the system.

If your search does not find a case, try different name variations. Use just the last name first. People sometimes file under nicknames or middle names. The system searches exactly what you type. Spelling matters. Double-check the name and try again if you get no results.

Filing Probate Petitions

To open an estate case, file a Petition for Probate using form DE-111. Attach a certified death certificate. Include the original will and any codicils. If there is no will, indicate intestate succession on the petition form.

The filing fee is $435. You pay when you file. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Make your check payable to Riverside Superior Court. Keep your receipt. You need it to prove you paid the filing fee.

After filing, the court sets a hearing date. This is usually six to eight weeks out. You must publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation. The court website lists approved newspapers. Proof of publication must be filed before the hearing.

Mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries using form DE-120. File proof of service at least 15 days before the hearing. The court will not proceed if you skip this step. Notice protects the rights of interested parties to object or participate in the case.

Attend your hearing with photo ID. The judge may ask you questions about the petition. Answer clearly and honestly. If approved, the court issues Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary. Get certified copies from the clerk. You need these to manage estate assets.

Note: Riverside County requires an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of appointment. Use form DE-160. Hire a probate referee to value estate assets. The referee fee is set by statute at one-tenth of one percent of the estate value.

Legal Assistance Programs

Riverside County has limited free legal aid for probate matters. Most legal aid organizations focus on family law and housing. For probate help, contact the State Bar of California lawyer referral service at 866-442-2529. They connect you with local attorneys who handle estate cases.

Senior citizens can use the Senior Legal Hotline at 800-222-1753. Volunteer attorneys provide free advice on wills, trusts, and probate. The hotline operates weekdays during business hours. You may need to leave a message and wait for a callback.

The California Courts Self-Help Center at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov offers guides and videos. These resources walk you through common probate tasks. You can learn how to complete forms and understand court procedures without hiring a lawyer.

Major Cities in Riverside County

Riverside County includes many large cities. All probate cases file at the county Superior Court, not city courts.

Cities with populations over 100,000: Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Jurupa Valley, Hemet, and Indio.

Nearby Counties

For probate cases in neighboring counties, visit: San Bernardino County, San Diego County, Orange County, and Imperial County.