Probate Division
Probate
The Probate Division handles matters of Estates, Trusts, Conservatorships, Guardianships, and other miscellaneous protective proceedings.
Remote Appearance
Probate matters may be heard by remote videoconference zia Zoom unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Attorneys, and/or parties without counsel, are instructed to submit their notice of remote appearance no later than five days prior to a scheduled hearing date.
See the Remote Appearances page for more information and forms.
Payment
In most cases, you will be required to pay a fee to file papers with the court. Fees are set by the Statewide Civil Fee Schedule.
If you know your case number and fee amount, you may pay online.
Go to Online Payments for more information on paying online, by phone, or by mail.
If you can’t afford the filing fee(s), you can file a “fee waiver” requesting your filing fees be waived by the Court.
Copy/Search of Records Request
For information on how to request documents from a file, please visit our Records Requests page.
Common Topics
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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 a 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 .)
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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.
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Conservatorships
A conservatorship is when a judge appoints another person to act or make decisions for the person who needs help, such as someone who is either physically or mentally unable to handle financial affairs and/or personal care.
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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.
Additional Information
Alpine County does not have a weekly adjudicated newspaper of general circulation established within the county. If your probate filing requires publication in the newspaper, notice shall be published in an adjudicated newspaper* of general circulation published in California nearest to Markleeville, CA (the Alpine County seat), and which is circulated within the area of the county in which the decedent resided or the property is located pursuant to California Probate Code Section 8121(b).
*California Government Code Section 6020
Probate referees are required for court resolution of an estate where real property is involved.
The contact information for Alpine County's current probate referee can be found on the State Controller's website:
Alpine County Self-Help Services
A free resource available to eligible consumers to help find legal information. Our self-help attorney cannot not give legal advice, but can help fill out forms and assist parties.
Sacramento County Public Law Library
Sacramento County Public Law Library provides free public access to legal information.
Self-Help Guide to the California Courts
Resources and information to help you navigate your court case, including step-by-step guides for following procedures and help with understanding your options.