Estate Planning & Probate in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Superior Court - Probate Division.
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 Los Angeles County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Los Angeles County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Los Angeles County→The Probate Process in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, probate runs through the Superior Court - Probate Division at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles.
Full Los Angeles Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court - Probate Division
Los Angeles County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Los Angeles County · Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk · Dean C. Logan
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$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 - Probate Division
Probate departments located on 6th Floor of Stanley Mosk Courthouse. Hill Street entrance most congested at 8:00 AM; consider alternative entrances.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Los Angeles County.
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