California Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering California probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
In-depth guides covering California probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
Complete California's official DE-157 notice to creditors. Cal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420.
Step 1 of 4
The California notice identifies the appointed representative and the address where claims are presented.
The state where the estate proceeding is filed. Only states where the personal representative prepares the creditor notice are listed.
As stated in your Letters or appointment order.
The address where creditors present claims. It is printed in the notice.
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Yes — DE-157. This tool completes the official form with the estate, representative, and publication details.
Claims are presented within 4 months after the opening of the estate, per Cal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420. A claim not presented in time is barred. An absolute bar applies 1 year from the date of death regardless of notice.
A claim is presented to the personal representative and filed with the court — both. Cal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420.
Newspaper of general circulation in the city where the decedent resided at death or where the decedent's property is located; if none in that city, a newspaper of general circulation in the county circulated within the area where the decedent resided or the property is located; otherwise the newspaper of general circulation published in California nearest to the county seat and circulated within that area (Prob. Code § 8121).
Yes. Known and reasonably ascertainable creditors receive direct written notice in addition to any publication, per Cal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420. This tool prepares a mailed notice for each known creditor you list.
Yes — the publisher's affidavit of publication is filed with the court (Cal. Prob. Code § 8124). The newspaper provides the affidavit after the final run.
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