San Mateo County Probate Court Access

San Mateo County processes probate cases at the Hall of Justice and Records located at 400 County Center in Redwood City. The probate division requires appointments for in-person service. You cannot walk in without scheduling ahead. Call 650-261-5100 to make an appointment. Email probate@sanmateocourt.org for questions. The clerk office operates by appointment only from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM on weekdays. You can search case records online through the county case search portal. Most recent filings appear in the web system within one to two business days.

San Mateo Superior Court Probate

The probate division operates by appointment only. This is different from most California counties. You must call ahead to schedule a time to visit the clerk office. Phone 650-261-5100 to make an appointment. Service hours run 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM on weekdays.

The appointment system helps manage clerk workload and reduces wait times. When you arrive at your scheduled time, staff can focus on helping you without the interruptions of walk-in traffic. This often provides better service than traditional walk-in offices.

Email probate@sanmateocourt.org for questions that do not require an in-person visit. Clerk staff respond to emails within one to two business days. Email is often the fastest way to get answers about filing requirements or case status.

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

The court provides online case search at sanmateocourt.org. Search probate cases by name or case number. The portal shows case information and many filed documents. This lets you check case status without calling or visiting the courthouse.

Parking at the Hall of Justice and Records is available in nearby lots. Redwood City has metered street parking and commercial parking facilities. The courthouse is accessible by Caltrain and SamTrans bus service. Public transit can be easier than dealing with parking.

Search Cases Online

San Mateo County offers web access to probate case information. Visit sanmateocourt.org to search cases. Look up records by party name or case number. The system shows the register of actions and filed documents.

The portal displays PDF images for many court filings. Click on a document to view it. Some older cases may have limited information. If you need documents not available online, contact the clerk office by email or phone.

Searching is free. You do not need to create an account. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers. Use any web browser. No special software is required.

For certified copies, you must request them from the clerk. The online portal is for viewing only. Certified documents carry an official seal. Banks and financial institutions require certified Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary. Regular copies will not work for estate transactions.

Note: If you cannot find a case online, try different name variations. The system searches exactly what you type. Check spelling and try nicknames or middle names. You can also contact the clerk office for help locating a case.

Filing Probate Petitions

To open a probate case, start with 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.

Schedule an appointment to file your petition. Call 650-261-5100. The clerk office operates by appointment only. When you arrive, staff will review your documents for completeness. Pay the $435 filing fee. The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Make checks payable to San Mateo Superior Court.

The court assigns a hearing date when you file. This is usually four to six weeks out. You must publish notice in a local newspaper. San Mateo County has newspapers approved for legal notices. The clerk can tell you which ones qualify. File proof of publication 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 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. Schedule an appointment to pick up certified copies from the clerk.

File an Inventory and Appraisal within four months of your appointment. Hire a probate referee to value 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. Do not count life insurance or retirement accounts with named beneficiaries.

Use form DE-310 to transfer 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.

Real property in small estates uses form DE-305. File this with the probate court. Schedule an appointment to file since San Mateo requires appointments for all in-person service. The process is faster than full probate. You skip many steps and avoid ongoing court supervision.

Be careful calculating estate value. San Mateo County has very high real estate values. Even modest homes can push estates over the small estate threshold. Include all assets at current market values. If you use small estate procedures incorrectly, creditors or heirs can challenge the transfer.

Legal Assistance in San Mateo County

Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County may help with probate matters for low-income residents. Services are limited. Call for intake to see if you qualify based on income and case type.

The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service. Call 866-442-2529 for names of probate attorneys in San Mateo County. 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.

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.

Cities in San Mateo County

San Mateo County includes several cities on the Peninsula south of San Francisco. All probate cases file at the county courthouse in Redwood City.

Cities with populations over 100,000: Daly City and San Mateo.

Nearby Counties

For probate cases in neighboring counties, visit: San Francisco County, Santa Clara County, Alameda County, and Santa Cruz County.