Estate Planning & Probate in San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. Start with your situation below; both paths use San Bernardino County's actual court and recording details.
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 San Bernardino County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a San Bernardino County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in San Bernardino County→The Probate Process in San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino, probate runs through the Superior Court - Probate Division at 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana. Probate e-filing in San Bernardino County goes through sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov, a county-specific system.
Full San Bernardino Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court - Probate Division
San Bernardino County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder-Clerk
San Bernardino County · Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk · Josie Gonzales
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$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 - Probate Division
Probate matters filed and heard at Fontana District (17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335) and Victorville District, NOT the main San Bernardino courthouse. Each court has separate policies for ex parte petitions; contact appropriate Probate Clerk for instructions.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in San Bernardino County.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
