What to Do When Someone Dies in Placer County, California

Probate in Placer County runs through the Superior Court - Civil Division: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.

What probate costsHow to fileTransferring propertyLocal attorneys

When someone dies in Placer County, settling their estate runs through the Superior Court - Civil Division. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.

Probate Court Record

Superior Court - Civil Division

Placer County

Address

10820 Justice Center DriveRoseville, CA 95678

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Auburn Historic Courthouse: closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM for lunch)
Visit court website →
Paper filing availableE-filing required for attorneysWalk-ins acceptedSelf-filing allowed

Departments

  • Historic Auburn Courthouse (Hearings)
  • Tahoe City Courthouse
  • Auburn B Avenue Location

Gibson Courthouse in Roseville is the probate filing location. Hearings at Historic Auburn Courthouse. Tahoe Court does not accept probate papers.

Open in Google Maps

Verified July 3, 2026 · Source

How Probate Works in Placer 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 Placer County, probate runs through the Superior Court - Civil Division at 10820 Justice Center Drive, Roseville. Placer County runs probate e-filing through placer.courts.ca.gov, its own system rather than a shared statewide portal.

The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under California intestacy law when there is no will.

Most California estates take 12 months to 18 months to move through this process. The 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code § 9100 — later of 4 months from letters or 60 days from mailed/personal notice of administrationVerified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.

What Probate Costs in Placer County

What probate costs in Placer County, California comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Superior Court - Civil Division at 10820 Justice Center Drive, Roseville.

Probate matters are handled through Historic Auburn Courthouse (Hearings), Tahoe City Courthouse, and Auburn B Avenue Location. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.

Placer County runs a probate self-help center, which is the single biggest cost-saver for families who can self-file. Staff can walk you through the paperwork and explain procedures, though they cannot give legal advice on your specific case. Call 916-408-6446.

California charges $435Cal. Gov. Code §§ 70650(a), 70602.5, 70602.6Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.

E-filing is mandatory for attorneys filing at the Superior Court - Civil Division (https://www.placer.courts.ca.gov/online-services/efiling). Self-represented filers can request a paper-filing exemption.

Estimate the costs for this estate:

California sets attorney fees by statute — a percentage of the estate's gross value. Every attorney charges the same schedule, so the decision to hire one comes down to complexity, not price.

Executor compensation is also statutory in California. Family executors who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.

California requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.

A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Cal. Prob. Code §§ 8480 (bond required before letters issued), 8481 (waiver: will provision or all-beneficiary written waiver; court may still require bond for good cause)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.

Probate in California typically runs 12 months to 18 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.

How to File Probate at the Superior Court - Civil Division

If you're handling probate yourself in Placer County, California, you can file at the Superior Court - Civil Division in person or by mail. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys but families filing without one are exempt and can use paper forms.

Filings here are routed through Historic Auburn Courthouse (Hearings), Tahoe City Courthouse, and Auburn B Avenue Location. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.

How to File Your Documents

Paper Filing Available

You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Placer County, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.

E-Filing Also Available

If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.

View E-Filing Information

Can You File Without an Attorney?

Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Superior Court - Civil Division is realistic. Placer County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.

For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Placer County Self-Filing Assessment.

Placer County Filing Requirements

These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.

Before You File

Probate filing at Howard G. Gibson Courthouse in Roseville. Probate calendar heard in Dept 2 at Historic Auburn Courthouse (101 Maple Street) and Dept 40 at the Gibson Courthouse (10820 Justice Center Drive, Roseville), depending on hearing date.

Probate matters (decedents' estates, trusts, guardianship of minors, conservatorship of adults) filed and heard in Civil Division only.

Other Requirements

Self-Help Center offers quarterly probate workshops.

Before You Go

Walk-ins accepted

You can file in person without an appointment. Self-Help Center offers limited 20-minute walk-in appointments Mon-Thu 8:00-10:00 AM, plus prescheduled in-person appointments Mon-Thu 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and Tue-Wed 1:00-4:00 PM, at the Gibson Courthouse in Roseville.

What to Bring

To file at the Superior Court - Civil Division you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.

Transferring Property in Placer County

Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Clerk-Recorder.

Deeds and other real property documents for Placer County are recorded with the County Clerk-Recorder, led by Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters Ryan Ronco, at 3715 Atherton Road, Rocklin, CA 95765. Phone: (530) 886-5600. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

The County Clerk-Recorder charges $14 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page.

Recording Office Record

County Clerk-Recorder

Placer County · Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters · Ryan Ronco

Address

3715 Atherton RoadRocklin, CA 95765

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Base fee (first page)$14
Each additional page$3
GC 27388.1 Building Homes and Jobs Act Fee (SB 2)Applies to a TOD deed$75
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

Cal. Gov. Code 27361; Cal. Gov. Code 27388; Cal. Gov. Code 27388.1; Cal. Gov. Code 27388.2; Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code 11911; Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code 11930

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Verified September 4, 2026 · Source

Probate Attorneys Serving Placer County

California uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Placer County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.

Probate attorney fees in California are set by statute as a percentage of the estate's value, so every Placer County attorney charges the same schedule. Price isn't the variable — experience with the Superior Court - Civil Division and responsiveness are.

A probate attorney files the petition with the Superior Court - Civil Division, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.

Solo PracticeElk Grove, CA

Huber Law Group, P.C.

Since 2004 · Serves 3 counties

Elk Grove and Sacramento trust and estate practice representing executors, trustees, and beneficiaries through probate and trust administration and in probate litigation, trust and will contests, and financial elder abuse claims. Founder Jonathan Huber has been a State Bar of California certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law since 2013. No-cost initial consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 4 more

Office
9401 E Stockton Blvd., Ste. 210Elk Grove, CA 95624
Free consultation

FirmSacramento, CA

Law Offices of Daniel A. Hunt

Serves 3 counties

Sacramento firm with additional offices in Folsom and Roseville, covering estate planning, trust administration, probate, conservatorships, and trust and estate litigation. Founder Daniel Hunt is a State Bar of California Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Offers no-cost initial consultations by phone, video, or in person.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 more

Office
798 University AvenueSacramento, CA 95825
Free consultationVirtual consultations

FirmSacramento, CA

Northern California Center for Estate Planning & Elder Law

Since 1987 · Serves 7 counties

Sacramento and Roseville firm serving Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, Nevada, and Yuba-Sutter Counties with trust administration, probate, Medi-Cal planning, and long-term care planning since 1987. Founder Timothy Murphy is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans with benefits claims. Offers a free initial telephone call.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationElder Lawand 4 more

Office
2277 Fair Oaks Blvd, Ste 320Sacramento, CA 95825
Free consultationVirtual consultations

FirmDavis, CA

Pakpour Banks LLP

Since 2019 · Serves 7 counties

Davis firm serving Yolo, Sacramento, Solano, Placer, Colusa, El Dorado, and Yuba Counties with probate administration and conservatorships alongside estate planning and special needs planning. Keith Banks was previously probate clerk and attorney-unit research assistant at the Yolo Superior Court. Formed in 2019 by the merger of two Yolo County firms.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateConservatorshipSpecial Needs Planning

Office
1712 Picasso Ave, Suite BDavis, CA 95618
Free consultation

Solo PracticeRoseville, CA

Sanborn Law

Since 2006 · Serves 13 counties

Roseville firm handling probate and decedent estate administration, including ancillary probate, plus trust administration, conservatorships, and litigation in those areas — will contests and beneficiary disputes. Marlene Sanborn, a retired Air Force flight engineer, opened the firm in 2006 and has practiced law in California since 1998.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 4 more

Office
2998 Douglas Blvd, Suite 305Roseville, CA 95661
Free consultation

FirmRoseville, CA

Wade Law Offices

Since 2010 · Serves 3 counties

Roseville firm serving Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado Counties with probate, trust administration, and estate administration for executors, personal representatives, and beneficiaries. David D. Wade founded the firm in 2010, and its attorneys are licensed in California and Washington. Free initial consultation, in person or remotely.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 5 more

Office
1677 Eureka Road, Suite 203Roseville, CA 95661
Free consultationVirtual consultations
See all 43 firms serving Placer County→

Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·

Legal Sources

Data sourced from California statutes and official state code. How we research.

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