San Joaquin County Probate Case Access
San Joaquin County moved its probate division to a new location in Lodi as of February 2025. The probate department now operates at 315 West Elm Street in Lodi. This change relocated probate services from Stockton to provide better access and updated facilities. All estate administration cases, will contests, conservatorships, and guardianships file at this new Lodi location. The court maintains an online case management system where you can search probate records by name or case number. Call 209-992-5696 for questions about filing procedures or case status.
San Joaquin County Probate Quick Facts
San Joaquin Superior Court Probate
The probate division now operates at 315 West Elm Street in Lodi. This is a new location as of February 2025. If you have old addresses or directions, update them. The Lodi facility provides modern space for probate operations.
Call 209-992-5696 for general questions. The clerk office handles filings and inquiries during business hours. Email probateorders@sjcourts.org for specific questions about court orders or case status. Staff respond to emails within one to two business days in most cases.
Visit sjcourts.org for local rules and procedures. The website has information about the new Lodi location. You can find directions, parking details, and contact information. Local forms and filing requirements are posted on the site.
The court operates an online case management system at cms.sjcourts.org. This portal lets you search probate cases and view filed documents. Most recent cases appear in the web system. Older records may have limited online information.
Parking at the Lodi facility is available. The new building has dedicated parking for court visitors. This is easier than parking at the old Stockton location. Plan to arrive early for morning hearings as the lot can fill up.
How to File Probate Cases
To open a probate case, file form DE-111, the Petition for Probate. Attach a certified death certificate and the original will if one exists. If there is no will, indicate intestate succession on the petition form.
File your petition at the Lodi courthouse at 315 West Elm Street. Pay the $435 filing fee when you file. The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Make checks payable to San Joaquin Superior Court. Keep your receipt.
The court sets a hearing date after you file. This is usually four to six weeks out. You must publish notice in a local newspaper. The clerk can tell you which newspapers qualify in San Joaquin County. File proof of publication 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 requires proper notice to all interested parties. Without it, the hearing will be continued to a later date.
Attend your hearing with photo ID. The judge reviews your petition and may ask questions about the estate. If approved, you receive Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary. Get certified copies from the clerk office. You need these to manage estate assets.
Within four months, 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 estate value.
Note: San Joaquin County provides email updates on probate orders. Ask the clerk office how to sign up for case notifications. This helps you stay informed about your case without calling or checking the portal constantly.
Search Cases Online
San Joaquin County offers online case access through the CMS portal. Visit cms.sjcourts.org to search probate cases. Look up cases by party name or case number. The system shows the register of actions and filed documents.
The portal is free to use. You do not need to create an account for basic searches. The system works on phones, tablets, and computers. Any web browser will work. No special software is required.
Document images appear for most recent cases. Click on a filing to view the PDF. Some older cases may show only the index without document images. If you need documents not available online, contact the clerk office.
For certified copies, you must request them from the clerk. The online portal is for viewing only. Certified documents have an official seal and are required for many estate transactions. Banks will not accept regular copies for releasing assets.
Small Estate Options
Estates worth less than $208,850 may qualify for simplified procedures. This threshold applies to probate assets only. Life insurance and retirement accounts with named beneficiaries do not count.
Use form DE-310 to collect personal property in small estates. This affidavit method requires no court filing. Wait 40 days after death. Present the affidavit to banks or other holders of assets. They must release property to you.
For real property, file form DE-305 with the probate court. This petition process is faster than full probate. You skip many steps required in regular estate administration. The filing fee is lower.
Be careful calculating the estate value. Include all assets that would go through probate. Do not count assets that transfer by beneficiary designation. If you underestimate and use small estate procedures incorrectly, you may face challenges from creditors or heirs.
Legal Help in San Joaquin County
Legal Services of Northern California serves San Joaquin County. They may help with probate matters for low-income residents. Call for intake to see if you qualify. Services are limited and prioritize the most urgent cases.
The State Bar of California offers a lawyer referral service at 866-442-2529. Get names of probate attorneys practicing in San Joaquin County. Most offer a reduced-fee initial consultation. This lets you discuss your case and get a fee 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.
Visit selfhelp.courts.ca.gov for online resources. The California Courts Self-Help Center has guides and videos. Learn how to fill out forms and understand probate procedures without hiring a lawyer.
Cities in San Joaquin County
San Joaquin County includes several large cities in the Central Valley. All probate cases now file at the Lodi location.
Nearby Counties
For probate cases in neighboring counties, visit: Sacramento County, Stanislaus County, Alameda County, and Contra Costa County.