Estate Planning & Probate in Alpine County, California
Most Alpine County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Start with your situation below; both paths use Alpine County's actual court and recording details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Superior Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Alpine County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Alpine County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Alpine County→The Probate Process in Alpine County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Alpine County, probate runs through the Superior Court at 14777 State Route 89, Markleeville. Unlike most California probate courts, which accept electronic filing, Alpine County remains one of 9 counties that file on paper.
Full Alpine Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court
Alpine County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Alpine County · Assessor/Recorder · Donald O'Connor
Address
Phone
Hours
$12 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $90; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Superior Court
The court offers a self-help center, in Alpine County Courthouse, 14777 State Route 89, Markleeville. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 530-545-1535 for details.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Alpine County.
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