Access San Francisco Probate Records

San Francisco County processes probate cases at the Civic Center Courthouse located at 400 McAllister Street, Department 204. As a consolidated city-county, San Francisco operates a single court system for the entire jurisdiction. The probate division handles estate administration, will contests, trust matters, conservatorships, and guardianships. Court hours run 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. You can search case records through the online case information system. The portal provides access to probate filings from recent decades. Older historical records may require a visit to the clerk office or the California State Archives.

San Francisco Superior Court Probate Division

The probate division operates out of Department 204 at the Civic Center Courthouse. Call 415-551-3702 for questions. The clerk office handles filings and provides general information. Staff cannot give legal advice but can explain filing procedures and requirements.

San Francisco is unique as both a city and a county. The Superior Court serves the entire population from one courthouse. Probate cases from all parts of San Francisco file at 400 McAllister Street. The building sits in the Civic Center area near City Hall.

Visit sf.courts.ca.gov for local rules and procedures. The website has information about filing requirements and court operations. You can find forms, contact details, and instructions for common probate tasks.

Parking near the courthouse is limited and expensive. Several commercial lots operate in the Civic Center area. Street parking is scarce and often has time limits. Public transportation is the easiest way to reach the courthouse. BART and Muni serve Civic Center station right next to the building.

Security screening is required for all courthouse visitors. Leave prohibited items at home. Weapons, sharp objects, and large bags are not allowed. Plan extra time for security lines, especially in the morning.

Search Cases Online

San Francisco County provides web access to case information. The portal is available on the court website. Search by party name or case number. The system shows basic case information and the register of actions.

The online system has limitations compared to some other counties. Document images may not be available for all cases. You can see what was filed and when, but viewing the actual documents may require a trip to the clerk office.

Search is free and does not require account registration. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers. Use any web browser to access the system. No special software is needed.

If you need certified copies of probate documents, contact the clerk office. The online portal does not provide certified copies. Banks and financial institutions require certified Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary. Regular copies will not work for estate transactions.

Note: For very old probate cases, check with the California State Archives. Historical records from San Francisco dating to the 1800s are preserved at the state archives in Sacramento.

Filing a Probate Petition

Start with form DE-111, the Petition for Probate. Attach a certified death certificate. Include the original will if one exists. If there is no will, indicate intestate succession on the petition.

File your petition at the probate clerk window in Department 204. The filing fee is $435. Pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Make checks payable to San Francisco Superior Court. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.

The court sets a hearing date when you file. Expect a date four to six weeks out. You must publish notice in a local newspaper. San Francisco has newspapers approved for legal notices. The clerk can tell you which ones qualify. File proof of publication before your hearing.

Mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries. Use form DE-120 for this. Keep proof of mailing. File the proof of service at least 15 days before the hearing date. Proper notice is required by law. The court will not proceed without it.

Attend your hearing with photo ID. The judge reviews your petition and may ask questions. If approved, the judge signs an order appointing you as estate representative. You receive Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary. Get certified copies from the clerk after the hearing.

File an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of your appointment. A probate referee values the estate assets. The referee is assigned by the court controller. The fee is one-tenth of one percent of the appraised estate value.

Small Estate Procedures

Estates worth less than $208,850 may use simplified procedures. This threshold applies to probate assets only. Do not count life insurance with named beneficiaries. Do not count retirement accounts with beneficiary designations.

For personal property, use form DE-310. This affidavit lets you collect assets without court supervision. Wait 40 days after the death. Then present the affidavit to banks or other asset holders. They must release the property to you.

Real property in small estates uses form DE-305. File this petition 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.

Be careful when calculating the estate value. Include all bank accounts, vehicles, personal property, and real estate. Use current market values. San Francisco real estate values can push estates over the threshold quickly. If you use small estate procedures incorrectly, creditors or heirs can challenge the transfer.

Legal Assistance in San Francisco

Legal Aid Society of San Francisco may help with probate matters for low-income residents. Services are limited and focus on the most urgent cases. Senior citizens can contact Senior Legal Programs at Legal Assistance to the Elderly. Call for intake to see if you qualify.

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

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

The California Courts Self-Help Center at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov offers online resources. You can find guides, videos, and instructions for common probate tasks. The site helps you understand court procedures and complete forms without hiring a lawyer.

San Francisco City Information

San Francisco operates as a consolidated city-county. The city government and county government are one entity. All probate cases file at the county Superior Court.

For more information about probate records in San Francisco, see the San Francisco city page.

Nearby Counties

For probate cases in neighboring counties, visit: San Mateo County, Alameda County, Marin County, and Contra Costa County.