Estate Planning & Probate in Modoc County, California
There are two reasons people look up Modoc County probate: to keep a family out of it, or to get a loved one's estate through it. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Superior Court.
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 Modoc County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Modoc County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Modoc County→The Probate Process in Modoc 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 Modoc County, probate runs through the Superior Court at 205 South East Street, Alturas. Modoc County is one of 9 California counties where probate filings are still paper-only; most probate courts in the state accept electronic filing.
Full Modoc Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court
Modoc County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Modoc County · Assessor-Recorder
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$10 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $88; 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 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, in Robert A. Barclay Justice Center Lobby, 205 South East Street, Alturas, CA 96101. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 530-233-4444 for details.
Fax filing accepted at $1.00 per page; original signed documents plus copies must still be mailed or brought to the court with the fax-filing fee. Zoom and CourtCall (telephonic) appearances permitted for certain circumstances in probate cases.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Modoc County.
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