Estate Planning & Probate in Butte County, California
Most Butte County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Superior Court - Civil/Probate Division details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Superior Court - Civil/Probate Division, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Butte County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Butte County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Butte County→The Probate Process in Butte 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 Butte County, probate runs through the Superior Court - Civil/Probate Division at 1775 Concord Avenue, Chico.
Full Butte Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court - Civil/Probate Division
Butte County
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk-Recorder
Butte County · County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters
Address
Phone
Hours
$15 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $93; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Superior Court - Civil/Probate Division
The court offers a self-help center, open Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Friday 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM, in North Butte County Courthouse, 1775 Concord Avenue, Chico, CA 95928. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 530-532-7015 for details.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Butte County.
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