San Diego Probate Court Records

San Diego County files probate cases at the Madge Bradley Building located at 1100 Union Street in downtown San Diego. The probate division processes thousands of estate cases each year. All will contests, trust administration matters, conservatorships, and guardianships go through this location. The county operates an online portal powered by Tyler Technologies Odyssey system. You can search probate records from home using a computer, phone, or tablet. Case information is usually updated within one business day of filing. Historical records dating back several decades appear in the online system.

San Diego Superior Court Probate

The probate division operates at 1100 Union Street. Call 619-844-2676 for general questions. The clerk office is open weekdays during standard business hours. Walk-in service is available. Phone lines can be busy during peak times. Leave a message if you cannot get through.

San Diego County uses Tyler Technologies Odyssey for case management. This system powers the online portal and internal court operations. The Odyssey platform is used by many California counties. If you have used it elsewhere, the San Diego portal will look familiar.

Visit sdcourt.ca.gov for local rules and procedures. The website has detailed information about filing requirements. You can find forms, instructions, and contact information for court staff. Local rules supplement the statewide Judicial Council requirements.

Parking near the downtown courthouse is available in commercial lots. Expect to pay for parking. Metered street parking is limited and often full. The courthouse is accessible by San Diego public transit. The trolley stops within walking distance of the building.

Search Probate Cases Online

San Diego County provides online case access through the Register of Actions portal. The system is available at the court website. Search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Results show the case register and many filed documents.

The portal displays PDF images of court filings. You can view documents for free. Download or print copies for your records. Some documents may be sealed or restricted from public view. If you cannot access a record you think should be public, contact the clerk office.

Case updates appear in the system quickly. New filings usually show up within one business day. The register of actions lists all activity in chronological order. You can see when hearings are scheduled, what documents were filed, and what orders the judge issued.

For certified copies, go through the clerk office. The online portal is for viewing only. Certified documents have an official court seal and signature. Banks and financial institutions need certified Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary. Regular copies from the portal will not work for these purposes.

Note: Very old probate cases may have limited online information. Records from before the electronic system was implemented may exist only on paper. Contact the clerk office or check with the California State Archives for historical probate files.

How to File a Probate Case

Begin with form DE-111, the Petition for Probate. Gather a certified death certificate and the original will if one exists. If there is no will, check the intestate succession box. List all heirs and their addresses.

File your petition at the Madge Bradley Building probate clerk window. Pay the $435 filing fee. The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Make checks payable to San Diego Superior Court. Keep your receipt for your records.

The court assigns a hearing date when you file. This is typically six to eight weeks out. You must publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation. San Diego has several approved publications. The clerk can provide a list. Proof of publication must be filed before the hearing.

Mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries using form DE-120. Keep proof of mailing. File the proof of service at least 15 days before your hearing date. The court requires proper notice before it can proceed with the case.

Attend your hearing with photo ID. The judge reviews your petition and asks questions. If everything is in order, the judge signs the Order for Probate and issues Letters. Get certified copies of the Letters from the clerk. You need these to access estate bank accounts and sell estate property.

Within four months of appointment, file an Inventory and Appraisal. Hire a probate referee to value estate assets. The referee is appointed by the court controller. The fee is set by statute at one-tenth of one percent of the appraised value.

Simplified Small Estate Procedures

If the estate is worth less than $208,850, you may qualify for simplified probate. This limit applies to assets that would go through probate. Life insurance and retirement accounts with named beneficiaries do not count toward the threshold.

For personal property, use the Affidavit for Transfer method. Form DE-310 allows you to collect assets without court involvement. Wait 40 days after death. Then present the affidavit to banks or other holders of property. They must release the assets to you.

Real property in small estates uses form DE-305. File this with the probate court. The process is faster than full probate. You skip many steps and avoid ongoing court supervision. The filing fee is lower than regular probate.

Calculate the total estate value carefully. Include all bank accounts, vehicles, personal property, and real estate. Use current market values. If you underestimate and improperly use small estate procedures, creditors or heirs can challenge the transfer.

Legal Aid and Assistance

Legal Aid Society of San Diego offers help with probate matters for low-income residents. Call 877-534-2524 for intake. Elder Law and Advocacy provides free services to people over 60 regardless of income. These organizations have limited capacity and prioritize the most urgent cases.

The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service. Call 866-442-2529 to get names of probate attorneys in San Diego. Most offer a reduced-fee initial consultation. This lets you discuss your case and get a cost estimate before hiring anyone.

Senior Legal Hotline serves Californians age 60 and over. Call 800-222-1753 for free advice. Volunteer attorneys answer questions about wills, trusts, and probate. The service operates weekdays during business hours.

Visit selfhelp.courts.ca.gov for online guides. The California Courts Self-Help Center has videos and instructions. You can learn how to complete forms and navigate probate procedures without hiring an attorney.

Cities in San Diego County

San Diego County includes many large coastal and inland cities. All probate cases file at the county Superior Court in downtown San Diego.

Cities with populations over 100,000: San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, and Vista.

Nearby Counties

For probate cases in neighboring counties, see: Orange County, Riverside County, and Imperial County.