Essential Steps for Burbank Executors Navigating the Downtown LA Probate Division
About This Checklist: When a loved one passes away and you've been named as executor or successor trustee, knowing the proper steps can save months of delays and thousands in costs. This checklist covers the essential filings and procedures at Stanley Mosk Courthouse (111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles).
Note: All Burbank probate matters are handled at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, the central probate division for Los Angeles County.
1 Immediate Steps (First 48-72 Hours)
Locate the original trust document and/or will - Check safe deposit boxes, home safes, and with the decedent's attorney
Obtain certified copies of the death certificate - Order at least 10-15 copies from the funeral home or LA County Registrar
Secure the decedent's property - Change locks if necessary, secure valuables, and document everything with photos
Notify immediate family members - Inform all heirs and beneficiaries named in the trust or will
Contact an experienced probate attorney - Get guidance before taking any major actions
Important Deadline: You must file the original will with the court within 30 days of learning of the death (California Probate Code Section 8200).
2 Trust Administration (If Trust Exists)
Send Notification to Beneficiaries (Form DE-175) - Required within 60 days of death or 60 days of becoming trustee
Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) - Required for the trust from the IRS (can be done online)
Open a trust bank account - Use the new EIN for all trust financial transactions
Inventory all trust assets - Document real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal property
Get appraisals for real property - Needed for date-of-death values and Step-up in Basis
Pay outstanding debts and final expenses - Medical bills, funeral costs, credit cards, mortgages
File the decedent's final tax return - Due April 15th of the year following death
Pro Tip: Even with a trust, some assets may require a Heggstad Petition if they weren't properly transferred into the trust during the decedent's lifetime. This is common with Burbank real estate.
3 Probate Court Filings (If Required)
File Petition for Probate (DE-111) - Opens the probate case at Stanley Mosk
Pay filing fee - Currently $435-$465 for initial petition
Publish Notice to Creditors - Required in a newspaper of general circulation
File Inventory and Appraisal (DE-160) - Due within 4 months of appointment
Request Letters Testamentary - Certified letters grant you authority to act
Wait for creditor claims period - 4 months from date of notice publication
File Final Accounting and Distribution - After all debts paid, distribute to heirs
Stanley Mosk Courthouse Information
Address: 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Probate Division: Departments 5, 9, 11, 29, 67, and 79
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Filing Window: Room 112 (closes at 4:00 PM for new filings)
Studio Employment Records - Request employment records for asset valuation
Proposition 19 Compliance - File for property tax exclusion within 1 year of transfer
Media District Properties - Special zoning considerations for commercial properties
Rancho District Horse Properties - Unique appraisal requirements for equestrian zoning
Warning: Missing the Proposition 19 deadline can result in property tax reassessment at current market value, potentially increasing annual taxes by thousands of dollars.
5 Final Distribution Checklist
Obtain tax clearance - Ensure all estate taxes are paid or waived
Prepare distribution schedule - Document exactly what each beneficiary receives
Transfer real property deeds - Record new deeds with LA County Recorder
Distribute personal property - Follow the trust/will instructions precisely
Obtain receipts from beneficiaries - Document all distributions received
File closing documents with court - If probate was required
Retain records for 5+ years - Keep copies of all documents and receipts
Need Help With Your Burbank Estate?
Our attorneys have 25+ years of experience at Stanley Mosk Courthouse.