Chico is in Butte County.

Probate in Butte County

Probate Court Record

Butte County Superior Court - Civil/Probate Division

Butte County

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM

Office

1775 Concord Avenue, Chico, CA 95928

Self-represented filing

Allowed

Self-help forms

How to file probate in Butte County →

Verified October 15, 2026 · Source

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Butte County? →Settling an estate in Butte County →

Forms for Planning and Settling an Estate in California

Free California forms to plan or settle an estate: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed and the probate forms. Prepare each form for California.

$12/month

Revocable Living Trust

Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.

Get Started

All California forms

Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in California

Free calculators and checklists to plan or settle an estate in California: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay and taxes. Run each tool for California.

How Do I Settle a Trust?

Settling a trust in California happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's trust statuteCal. Prob. Code § 15000 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 60 daysCal. Prob. Code §§ 16061.7, 16061.8, 16064, 16460Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.

See the Steps

What's Fair Trustee Compensation?

In California, trustee compensation follows "reasonable compensation" (UTC § 708 or equivalent)Cal. Prob. Code §§ 15680-15688Verified Sep 18, 2026View source unless the trust instrument sets a different amount.

Calculate the Fee

How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in California: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysCal. Prob. Code §§ 8800-8804, 8900-8903Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420; CCP § 366.2Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 9 months to 12 months.

See the Steps

All California tools