Estate Planning & Probate in Orange County, California
Orange 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 Orange County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Orange County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Orange County→The Probate Process in Orange 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 Orange County, probate runs through the Superior Court - Probate Division at 3390 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa. Probate e-filing in Orange County goes through occourts.org, a county-specific system.
Full Orange Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court - Probate Division
Orange County
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk-Recorder
Orange County · County Clerk-Recorder · Hugh Nguyen
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$12 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $90; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Superior Court - Probate Division
The court offers a self-help center, open Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, in Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 3390 Harbor Blvd (and four other locations countywide). Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Assistance is available in Spanish, Vietnamese in addition to English.
Probate Division relocated to Costa Mesa Justice Complex (CMJC) effective May 1, 2023. Probate Court Services provides investigative services in probate, guardianship, adoption matters.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Orange County.
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