Estate Planning & Probate in Kings County, California
There are two reasons people look up Kings County probate: to keep a family out of it, or to get a loved one's estate through it. Start with your situation below; both paths use Kings County's actual court and recording details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Superior Court - Civil Division, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Kings County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Kings County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Kings County→The Probate Process in Kings 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 Kings County, probate runs through the Superior Court - Civil Division at 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford.
Full Kings Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court - Civil Division
Kings County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Kings County · Assessor/Clerk/Recorder · Kristine Lee
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
$13 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $91; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified July 26, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Superior Court - Civil Division
The court offers a self-help center, open Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, in 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Assistance is available in Spanish in addition to English. Call 559-582-1010 option 8 for details.
Effective September 1, 2024: Court no longer guarantees Court Reporter services for Unlimited Civil, Limited Civil, Family Law, and Probate case types.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Kings County.
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