How to File Probate in Los Angeles County | Step-by-Step Guide

Filing probate in Los Angeles County can feel overwhelming, especially when you're grieving and have never navigated the court system before. As a Glendale probate attorney who regularly files cases at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, I understand how confusing the process can seem.

The good news? While Los Angeles County probate has its quirks and local rules, once you understand the step-by-step process, filing becomes manageable. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of filing probate in Los Angeles County, from gathering documents through your first court hearing.

Where to File Probate in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County Superior Court Probate Division Stanley Mosk Courthouse 111 North Hill Street, Room 113 Los Angeles, CA 90012

Important: All Los Angeles County probate cases, regardless of where the deceased lived within the county, are filed at Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.

This includes decedents who lived in:

• Glendale
• Burbank
• Pasadena
• Santa Monica
• Long Beach
• Torrance
• All other LA County cities

Courthouse hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Closed weekends and court holidays

Parking:

• Limited street parking (metered)
• Public parking lots nearby ($15-25/day)
• Metro accessible (Civic Center Station)

Los Angeles County Probate Court Structure

Judges: Los Angeles County has multiple probate judges who rotate handling cases.

Department assignments: Cases are assigned to specific departments based on case number.

Courtroom locations: Probate courtrooms are on the 9th floor of Stanley Mosk Courthouse.

Ex parte matters: Handled in Room 113 (first floor)

Before You File: Essential Information Gathering

Before you can file probate, you must gather critical information and documents.

Required Documents Checklist

1. Original Will and Codicils

• Must have original with actual signatures
• Photocopies not acceptable (except in rare circumstances)
• If will was with attorney, obtain original
• If in safe deposit box, may need court order for access

2. Death Certificate

• Order 10-15 certified copies
• Order from Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk or funeral home
• Cost: $21 per copy (as of 2025)
• Processing time: 1-3 weeks
• Must be certified copies (not photocopies)

3. Asset Information

• Bank account statements (latest)
• Brokerage account statements
• Real property deeds and recent assessments
• Vehicle titles
• Business ownership documents
• Personal property inventory
• Life insurance policies
• Retirement account statements

4. Debt Information

• Mortgage statements
• Credit card statements
• Medical bills
• Personal loans
• Any known creditors

5. Heir and Beneficiary Information

• Full legal names
• Current addresses
• Dates of birth
• Relationship to decedent
• Contact information

6. Decedent Information

• Full legal name
• Any other names used
• Last residence address
• Social Security number
• Date and place of birth
• Date and place of death
• Marital status

Step 1: Complete Required Forms

Los Angeles County probate requires specific forms. You can obtain forms from:

• California Courts website (www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm)
• Los Angeles Superior Court website
• Courthouse self-help center
• Probate attorney

Primary Form: Petition for Probate (Form DE-111)

This form requests:

• Appointment of executor (or administrator if no will)
• Admission of will to probate (if there is a will)
• Authorization to administer estate

Sections to complete:

Item 1: Hearing Information

• Leave blank; court will assign date and time

Item 2: Petitioner Information

• Your name and relationship to decedent
• Check box for executor/administrator appointment

Item 3: Decedent Information

• Full legal name and any aliases
• Date and place of death
• Residence address at death
• Social Security number (optional but helpful)

Item 4: Character and Estimated Value of Property

• Personal property value estimate
• Real property value estimate
• Total estate value estimate

Important for LA County: Be as accurate as possible. Significant changes later may require amended petition.

Item 5: Will Information

• Check whether decedent had will
• If yes, date of will and codicils
• Where will is lodged (usually "with petition")
• Whether will provides for independent administration

Item 6: Request for Special Administrator

• Usually leave blank unless urgent need exists

Item 7: Executor/Administrator Information

• Name of proposed executor
• Address
• Relationship to decedent
• Whether named in will
• Whether will waives bond

Item 8: Request for Independent Administration

• Critical: Check "full" authority box
• Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA) authority saves significant time and money
• Allows estate administration without court approval for most actions

Item 9: Heir and Beneficiary Information

• List all heirs at law (would inherit if no will)
• List all beneficiaries named in will
• Include names, ages, addresses, relationships

Form DE-131: Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative

Purpose: Acknowledges executor understands their responsibilities

Complete:

• Decedent information
• Executor name
• Signature (after appointment, not now)

File with petition but don't sign until hearing

Form DE-147: Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (Information Sheet)

Purpose: Provides executor with information about duties

Action: Attach to petition; no completion required

Form DE-121: Notice of Petition to Administer Estate

Purpose: Formal notice to heirs and beneficiaries

Complete:

• Hearing date and time (leave blank; will add after filing)
• Case number (leave blank; will add after filing)
• Decedent information
• Petitioner information
• Summary of petition

Use: Will mail to all heirs/beneficiaries after filing

Form DE-140: Order for Probate

Purpose: Proposed order for judge to sign

Complete:

• Decedent information
• Executor name
• Bond amount (or waiver)
• Authority granted

Leave signature lines blank for judge

Attachment Forms

Attachment to Petition (Form DE-111)

• If space on DE-111 is insufficient, use Attachment forms
• Clearly label each attachment (e.g., "Attachment 9a - Heirs at Law")

Additional Documents to Prepare

Certificate of Assignment

• Required for Los Angeles County
• Obtained after filing

Notice of Hearing

• Prepared after filing date is assigned

Proof of Service by Mail

• Will complete after mailing notices

Proof of Publication

• Will complete after newspaper publication

Step 2: Determine Estate Value

Accurate estate valuation is critical for calculating filing fees and statutory fees.

How to Value Different Assets

Bank Accounts:

• Balance as of date of death
• Request date-of-death statement from bank

Real Property:

• Recent property tax assessment
• Zillow/Redfin estimate
• Professional appraisal (not required at filing)

Vehicles:

• Kelley Blue Book value
• NADA guide value

Stocks and Bonds:

• Market price on date of death
• Check historical prices online

Business Interests:

• Book value
• Professional valuation (may defer until after filing)

Personal Property:

• Reasonable estimate
• Can be refined later in formal Inventory and Appraisal

Use Gross Value: Don't subtract debts. Filing fees and statutory fees based on gross estate value.

Step 3: File the Petition

Filing options:

Option A: In-Person Filing (Recommended for First-Time Filers)

Location: Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Room 113

Bring:

• Original will (if applicable)
• Original petition (plus 3 copies)
• All supporting forms (originals plus 3 copies each)
• Filing fee (see below)
• Death certificate (certified copy)
• Self-addressed stamped envelopes (for conformed copies)

Process:

1. Take documents to Room 113 probate filing window
2. Clerk reviews documents for completeness
3. Clerk accepts or rejects filing
4. If accepted, pay filing fee
5. Receive case number and hearing date
6. Receive conformed copies with stamps

Advantages:

• Immediate feedback if forms incorrect
• Same-day case number and hearing date
• Can ask questions

Disadvantages:

• Must travel to downtown LA
• Parking challenges
• Wait times at window (30-60 minutes common)

Option B: Mail Filing

Address: Los Angeles Superior Court Probate Division 111 N. Hill Street, Room 113 Los Angeles, CA 90012

Include:

• Original will
• Original petition and all forms
• Copies of all documents
• Check for filing fee
• Self-addressed stamped envelope

Processing time: 2-4 weeks for case number and hearing date

Disadvantages:

• Delayed response if errors exist
• No immediate feedback
• Risk of lost documents

Option C: Electronic Filing (E-Filing)

Los Angeles County uses: Case Anywhere e-filing system

Requirements:

• E-filing account setup
• Credit/debit card for fees
• Scanned documents

Note: Original will must still be filed in person or by mail; cannot e-file original will

Processing: Usually same day for case number, hearing date scheduled by court

Step 4: Pay Filing Fees

Los Angeles County Probate Filing Fees (2025):

Estate Value	First Paper Filing Fee	Total Filing Fee
Less than $250,000	$435	$435
$250,000 - $499,999	$435 + $100	$535
$500,000 - $999,999	$435 + $200	$635
$1,000,000 - $1,499,999	$435 + $300	$735
$1,500,000 - $1,999,999	$435 + $400	$835
$2,000,000 and above	$435 + $500	$935

Payment methods:

• Cash (if filing in person)
• Personal check
• Cashier's check
• Money order
• Credit/debit card (if e-filing)

Fee waivers: Available for qualifying low-income petitioners (Form FW-001)

Step 5: Lodge the Original Will

If will exists: Must file original will with court.

California Probate Code Section 8200: Person having custody of will must deposit with court within 30 days of learning of death.

Process:

• File with petition, OR
• File separately before petition

Receipt: Court provides receipt for original will

Why original matters: California requires original signatures. Photocopies create legal presumption that will was revoked.

Step 6: Publish Notice in Newspaper

California Probate Code Section 8120: Must publish Notice of Petition to Administer Estate in newspaper of general circulation.

Timing: After filing, before hearing

Requirements:

• Three consecutive weeks
• In newspaper approved by court
• In area where decedent resided

Los Angeles County Approved Newspapers:

• Los Angeles Times (expensive, $400-600)
• Daily Journal (legal newspaper, $300-450)
• Various community newspapers (cheaper, $200-350)

Process:

1. Contact newspaper's legal advertising department
2. Provide notice text (from Form DE-121)
3. Include case number and hearing date
4. Pay publication fees
5. Newspaper publishes three times
6. Newspaper provides Proof of Publication affidavit
7. File Proof of Publication with court before hearing

Deadline: File proof at least 5 days before hearing

Step 7: Mail Notice to Heirs and Beneficiaries

California Probate Code Section 8110: Must mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries at least 15 days before hearing.

Who must receive notice:

• All persons named in will
• All heirs at law (would inherit if no will)
• Known creditors (optional at this stage but recommended)

What to send:

• Completed Form DE-121 (Notice of Petition)
• Copy of will (if applicable)

How to send:

• First class mail
• To addresses in petition

Proof required:

• Complete Proof of Service by Mail (Form DE-120)
• List everyone served
• Have someone over 18 (not you) sign as server
• File with court before hearing

Step 8: Prepare for Hearing

Hearing typically scheduled: 6-8 weeks after filing

Courtroom: Check case docket for department assignment (usually on 9th floor)

Arrive: 15 minutes early

Bring:

• Photo ID
• Copy of petition
• Copy of will
• Order for Probate (Form DE-140) for judge's signature
• Proof of Publication (if not yet filed)
• Proof of Service (if not yet filed)

Who must attend:

• Proposed executor (you, if you're petitioning)
• Your attorney (if represented)

Who may attend:

• Any interested party
• Heirs and beneficiaries
• Creditors

What Happens at the Hearing

Typical hearing:

1. Calendar call: Judge calls case
2. Appearance: You (or attorney) state your appearance
3. Review: Judge reviews petition and supporting documents
4. Questions: Judge may ask questions
5. Objections: Anyone present can state objections
6. Ruling: Judge grants or denies petition

If granted:

• Judge signs Order for Probate
• You take oath of office
• Judge issues Letters Testamentary

If continued or denied:

• Judge explains what's missing or incorrect
• Gives deadline to correct
• Sets new hearing date

Common reasons for continuance:

• Incomplete notice (didn't serve everyone)
• Missing proof of publication
• Errors in petition
• Insufficient information

Step 9: Receive Letters Testamentary

After judge grants petition:

• Order is entered
• Returns to clerk for processing (same day or next day)
• Clerk issues Letters Testamentary

Obtaining certified copies:

• Request at probate filing window (Room 113)
• Cost: $25 per certified copy
• Order 10-15 copies

What Letters prove:

• Your authority as executor
• Court appointment
• Powers granted

Validity: One year (renewable)

Use Letters for:

• Accessing bank accounts
• Selling securities
• Transferring property
• Any estate business

Step 10: File Required Post-Appointment Forms

Within 60 days of appointment:

1. Notice of Administration to Creditors (Form DE-157)

• Mail to all known creditors
• Starts 4-month creditor claim period

2. Notice of Proposed Action (if using independent administration)

• To beneficiaries
• 15 days before taking action

Within 4 months of appointment:

3. Inventory and Appraisal (Form DE-160)

• Complete inventory of all assets
• Probate referee conducts appraisals
• File with court

Los Angeles County-Specific Rules and Procedures

Local Rule 4.116: Supplemental Information Required

Los Angeles County requires additional information beyond standard California forms:

Must include:

• Complete property addresses (not just city)
• Detailed description of business interests
• Specific identification of creditors
• Precise relationships of heirs

Local Rule 4.117: Appraisal Requirements

LA County is strict about appraisals:

• Must use court-appointed probate referee
• No alternative appraisers accepted without petition
• Referee fees strictly enforced

Local Rule 4.118: Bond Requirements

LA County enforces bond requirements unless specifically waived:

• Bond amount set by statute
• Must be from approved surety company
• Personal guarantees not accepted

Local Customs

Tentative rulings: LA probate judges generally do not issue tentative rulings

Ex parte applications: Heard Tuesdays and Thursdays in Room 113

Calendar preferences: Some judges prefer morning vs. afternoon calendars

Continuances: Judges are generally accommodating for first continuance if good cause shown

Common Mistakes When Filing Los Angeles County Probate

Mistake #1: Filing in Wrong Court

Error: Filing in courthouse near where decedent lived (e.g., Glendale courthouse)

Correct: All LA County probates file at Stanley Mosk downtown

Mistake #2: Incomplete Petition

Error: Leaving blanks or providing insufficient information

Result: Petition rejected or hearing continued

Prevention: Complete every item fully; if not applicable, write "N/A"

Mistake #3: Incorrect Estate Value

Error: Significantly underestimating or overestimating

Result: Wrong filing fee paid; may need amended petition

Prevention: Research property values carefully

Mistake #4: Insufficient Notice

Error: Not mailing to all heirs or missing 15-day deadline

Result: Hearing continued, delays

Prevention: Serve everyone listed in petition at least 20 days before hearing

Mistake #5: Missing Proof of Publication

Error: Not filing proof before hearing

Result: Hearing continued

Prevention: File proof at least 5 days before hearing

Mistake #6: Wrong Bond Amount

Error: Calculating bond incorrectly

Result: Hearing continued until correct bond posted

Prevention: Calculate per Probate Code Section 8482 or waive if will permits

Mistake #7: Not Requesting IAEA Authority

Error: Forgetting to request independent administration

Result: Requires court approval for all actions, adding months to probate

Prevention: Check box on DE-111 for "full authority" under IAEA

Do You Need an Attorney to File Probate in Los Angeles County?

Legally required? No. You can represent yourself ("in propria persona").

Practically advisable? Yes, especially for estates over $250,000.

Reasons to hire attorney:

• Complex LA County local rules
• High risk of errors leading to delays
• Fiduciary liability protection
• Knowledge of specific judges' preferences
• Efficient processing
• Statutory fees often justified by time savings

Attorney cost: Statutory fees based on estate value (see our article on California Probate Costs)

Los Angeles County Probate Timeline

Typical timeline for LA County probate:

• Week 0: Death occurs
• Week 1-2: Gather documents
• Week 3: File petition
• Week 9-10: Hearing on petition
• Week 10: Receive Letters Testamentary
• Month 3-4: File Inventory and Appraisal
• Month 7: Creditor period expires
• Month 9-12: Prepare final accounting
• Month 13: File final petition
• Month 15: Final hearing
• Month 15-16: Distributions complete

Total: 15-18 months typically

Resources for Los Angeles County Probate

Los Angeles Superior Court Probate Division:

• Website: www.lacourt.org
• Phone: (213) 974-5559
• Email: probateinfo@lacourt.org

Self-Help Resources:

• Stanley Mosk Courthouse Self-Help Center (Room 113)
• Free forms and instructions
• Self-help workshops
• Limited assistance (not legal advice)

Probate Volunteer Attorney Program:

• Free consultations for qualifying low-income petitioners
• Tuesday afternoons at Stanley Mosk
• First-come, first-served

Law Library:

• Los Angeles Law Library (same building)
• Legal research resources
• Librarians can help locate resources

Related Articles

Essential guides for Los Angeles County probate:

• Letters Testamentary California - What you receive after successful filing and court hearing.

• California Executor Duties & Responsibilities - What comes after filing: your complete duties checklist.

• How Long Does Probate Take in California? - Complete timeline after you file the petition.

• How Much Does Probate Cost in California? - Filing fees and total costs for LA County probate.

• Died Without Will California - Filing probate when decedent had no will (intestate).

Get Professional Help Filing Los Angeles County Probate

Filing probate in Los Angeles County involves complex forms, strict procedures, and county-specific requirements. Having experienced guidance ensures your petition is accepted on first filing and moves through the process efficiently.

Call (818) 291-6217 to schedule a consultation at my Glendale office, or complete our probate questionnaire to get started.

As a California probate attorney who regularly files cases at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, I know exactly what Los Angeles County judges expect, how to prepare bulletproof petitions, and how to navigate the system efficiently to minimize delays and protect you from liability.

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About the Author

Rozsa Gyene (State Bar No. 208356) is a California estate planning and probate attorney serving Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and throughout Los Angeles County. With extensive experience filing probate cases at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Rozsa provides efficient, professional representation for estate administration in Los Angeles County.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information about filing probate in Los Angeles County and should not be construed as legal advice. Los Angeles County court rules and procedures change regularly, and this article reflects procedures in effect as of January 2025. Always verify current requirements with the court or consult with a qualified California probate attorney.