Estate Planning & Probate in Napa, California
Most Napa County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. 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 Napa County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Napa County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Napa County→The Probate Process in Napa 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 Napa, probate runs through the Superior Court - Civil Division at 825 Brown Street, Napa.
Full Napa Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court - Civil Division
Napa County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Napa County · Recorder-County Clerk · John Tuteur
Address
Phone
Hours
$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 - Civil Division
The court offers a self-help center, open By appointment, weekdays 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (phone or video), in 825 Brown Street, Napa, CA 94559. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 707-299-1137 for details.
Civil Division handles probate guardianships/conservatorships, mental health, general civil, small claims, and unlawful detainers. For probate matters, call Civil Division at 707-299-1130.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Napa County.
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