Estate Planning & Probate in Madera, California
There are two reasons people look up Madera County probate: to keep a family out of it, or to get a loved one's estate through it. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Superior Court - Civil Division 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 Madera County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Madera County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Madera County→The Probate Process in Madera 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 Madera, probate runs through the Superior Court - Civil Division at 200 South G Street, Madera.
Full Madera Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court - Civil Division
Madera County
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk-Recorder
Madera County · County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters · Rebecca Martinez
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$14 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $92; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified July 13, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Superior Court - Civil Division
The Superior Court - Civil Division schedules probate hearings Ex parte hearings Monday - Friday at 8:15 AM in Departments 37, 40, 44, or 45.
The court offers a self-help center, open Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM; appointments Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. 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 559-416-5520 for details.
Ex parte hearings held Monday-Friday at 8:15 AM in Departments 37, 40, 44, or 45. Court does not have a Probate Examiner on staff; seek legal assistance from attorney or paralegal for document preparation.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Madera County.
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