San Luis Obispo Probate Records

San Luis Obispo County files probate cases at the Superior Court located at 1050 Monterey Street, Room 220. The probate division handles all estate matters for this Central Coast county. Cases include wills, trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships. The court processes filings from throughout the county at this single location. Call 805-781-5242 for general questions about probate procedures or case status. First hearings typically schedule four to five weeks after filing. The court provides information online but may have limited case search capabilities compared to larger counties.

Superior Court Probate Division

The probate division operates at 1050 Monterey Street in Room 220. Court hours are standard business days. The clerk window handles filings and answers general questions. Call 805-781-5242 for assistance. Phone lines can be busy during peak hours. Leave a message if needed.

San Luis Obispo County schedules first hearings within four to five weeks of filing. This is faster than many California counties where six to eight weeks is typical. The quicker timeline helps move cases through the system more efficiently.

Visit slo.courts.ca.gov for local rules and procedures. The website has information about filing requirements and court operations. You can find contact details and basic instructions. Local rules supplement statewide Judicial Council requirements.

Parking near the courthouse is available on the street and in nearby lots. Downtown San Luis Obispo has metered parking. Check time limits and restrictions. Some areas offer free parking but may be farther from the courthouse. Plan extra time to find parking and walk to the building.

Filing a Probate Case

Start 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 on the petition. List all heirs and their contact information.

File your petition at Room 220 in the courthouse. The filing fee is $435. Pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Make checks payable to San Luis Obispo Superior Court. Keep your receipt for proof of payment.

The court sets a hearing date when you file. As noted above, San Luis Obispo schedules hearings within four to five weeks. This is faster than many counties. You still must complete all notice requirements in that shorter time frame.

Publish notice in a local newspaper of general circulation. San Luis Obispo has newspapers approved for legal notices. The clerk can provide a list. Proof of publication must be filed before your hearing date.

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 the hearing. Proper notice protects the rights of interested parties and is required by law.

Attend your hearing with photo ID. The judge reviews your petition and asks 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. You need these to manage estate assets.

File an Inventory and Appraisal within four months. Hire a probate referee to value estate assets. The referee is assigned by the court controller. The statutory fee is one-tenth of one percent of the appraised value.

Small Estate Procedures

If the estate is worth less than $208,850, you may qualify for simplified probate. This threshold applies to assets that would go through probate. 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 method requires no court filing. Wait 40 days after death. Then present the affidavit to banks or other holders of assets. 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.

Calculate the estate value carefully. Include all bank accounts, vehicles, personal items, and real estate. Use current market values. San Luis Obispo has high property values along the coast. Real estate alone can push estates over the threshold. If you use small estate procedures incorrectly, you may face challenges later.

Legal Assistance Options

Legal aid is limited in San Luis Obispo County. Legal Services of Central California may help with probate matters for low-income residents. Call for intake to see if you qualify. Services focus on the most urgent cases and availability is limited.

The State Bar of California runs a lawyer referral service. Call 866-442-2529 for names of probate attorneys practicing in San Luis Obispo County. Most offer a reduced-fee initial consultation. This lets you discuss your case and get a fee estimate before hiring.

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 resources. The California Courts Self-Help Center has guides and videos. Learn how to fill out forms and understand probate procedures without hiring an attorney.

Nearby Counties

For probate cases in neighboring counties, see: Monterey County, Santa Barbara County, Kern County, and Kings County.