Probate Division
Probate Court
The Probate Court is responsible for handling decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, trust cases and other miscellaneous protective proceedings.
Probate court cases are handled by Departments 4, 8, and 9.
Decedent Estates
Estates: Probate proceedings may be carried out by the court on small and large estates. Please consult an attorney, paralegal, or do some research at your local law library before filing.
Wills Lodged: Within 30 days after having knowledge of the death of a testator, the custodian shall present to the clerk of the court the original will to be lodged for safekeeping, unless a petition for probate of the will is earlier filed. (Probate Code Section 8200 .)
Conservatorship
A conservatorship is a court proceeding to appoint someone to manage financial affairs and/or the personal care of one who is either physically or mentally unable to handle those affairs.
Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS) Conservatorship
A confidential court proceeding to appoint someone to manage financial affairs and personal care of one who is gravely disabled or mentally unable to handle those affairs.
California Courts Seniors & Conservatorship Self-Help Information
Guardianships
A guardianship is a court process by which a person other than a parent is given custody of a child(ren) or when a parent or other person is given authority over a child(ren)’s property.