Estate Planning & Probate in Merced, California
Most Merced County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Start with your situation below; both paths use Merced County's actual court and recording details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Superior Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Merced County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Merced County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Merced County→The Probate Process in Merced 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 Merced, probate runs through the Superior Court at 627 West 21st Street, Merced.
Full Merced Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court
Merced County
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Merced County · Assessor-Clerk-Recorder · Matt H. May
Address
Phone
Hours
$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 September 4, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Superior Court
The court offers a self-help center, open Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, in Room 1400, Ogletree Jr. Courthouse, 2260 N Street, Merced, CA 95340; also Robert M. Falasco Justice Center, 1159 G Street, Los Banos, CA 93635. 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 209-725-4168 for details.
Probate Unit contact: 209-725-4111 at Robert M. Falasco Justice Center in Los Banos. Probate pleadings may be filed with Civil Division at Old Merced Courthouse (627 W 21st Street).
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Merced County.
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