Estate Planning & Probate in Fresno, California
Fresno County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. Start with your situation below; both paths use Fresno County's actual court and recording details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Superior Court - Probate Division, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Fresno County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Fresno County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Fresno County→The Probate Process in Fresno 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 Fresno, probate runs through the Superior Court - Probate Division at 1130 O Street, Third Floor, Fresno.
Full Fresno Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court - Probate Division
Fresno County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Fresno County · Assessor-Recorder · Paul Dictos
Address
Phone
Hours
$19 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $97; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Superior Court - Probate Division
The court offers a self-help center, open Walk-ins: Mon 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Tue-Wed 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM; phone/email Thu-Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, in 1130 O Street, First Floor, Fresno, CA 93724. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Assistance is available in Spanish in addition to English.
All probate documents must be typed or printed using blue-black or black ink. Remote Zoom appearances available by filing Notice of Remote Appearance (RA-010) at least 5 court days before hearing with email address.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Fresno County.
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