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What to Do When Someone Dies in San Bernardino County, California
How probate works in San Bernardino County: the Superior Court - Probate Division record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
San Bernardino County Superior Court - Probate Division
San Bernardino County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Office
17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335
Website
E-filing
Filing in person
Walk-ins accepted
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
Required for attorneysElectronic filing and service are mandatory in probate case types for represented parties, through an approved electronic filing service provider; a party may seek a court-ordered exemption for undue hardship, significant prejudice or other good cause. Self-represented parties are exempt and may e-file voluntarily. Proposed orders and letters are e-filed as separate lodged documents, and letters are submitted after the hearing date except on ex parte petitions. On paper: Original wills and codicils; Certified death certificates; Affidavits re Real Property of Small Value (DE-305); Bonds and undertakings; Subpoenas and subpoenaed documents; Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) conservatorship filings; Documents filed under seal or provisionally under seal, and documents in sealed cases.
Filing in person
Walk-ins acceptedProbate filings are taken at the clerk's offices of the Fontana and Victorville Districts, Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM except court holidays. Petitions are set for hearing when filed; hearing dates are not reserved ahead of time.
Self-represented filing
AllowedSelf-represented parties may file on paper at the clerk's office or through an approved electronic filing service provider. Judicial Council forms can be bought at the clerk's office or downloaded from the Judicial Council website.
Self-help center
- Self-help service1-909-269-8826The Self-Help Resource Centers serve self-represented people in family law, child support, guardianship, landlord-tenant, small claims and CARE Court cases, with form review and court procedure information. Decedent estates are not among the listed case types.
Departments
- Fontana District (Probate Departments F1, F2, F4, F5)1-909-521-3388 · 17780 Arrow Boulevard · Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PMHears probate, conservatorship and guardianship matters from the valley, the mountain communities and the Morongo Basin.
- Victorville District (Probate Department V15)1-909-521-3388 · 14455 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA 92392 · Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PMHears probate and conservatorship matters from the High Desert, Barstow, Big Bear and Needles areas.
- Probate Examiners (probate notes questions)probatenotes@sb-court.org
About the court
- Probate, conservatorship and trust matters are filed and heard at the Fontana District or the Victorville District, by area. The Probate Department also hears petitions to establish the fact of birth, death or marriage and elder abuse petitions.
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works 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, which no other California county uses.
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. Creditors have 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420; CCP § 366.2Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the opening of the estate.
What Probate Costs in San Bernardino County
What probate costs in San Bernardino 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 - Probate Division at 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana.
California charges $435Cal. Gov. Code §§ 70650(a), 70602.5, 70602.6Verified Oct 17, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
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.
California sets executor compensation by statute — about $13,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 2.6%Cal. Prob. Code § 10800Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
California requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Industry surety premium estimate; the bond itself under 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 - Probate Division
Probate cases in San Bernardino County, California are filed at the Superior Court - Probate Division.
Beside the filing office, the court lists separate lines for Fontana District (Probate Departments F1, F2, F4, F5), Victorville District (Probate Department V15), and Probate Examiners (probate notes questions).
The Self-Help Resource Centers serve self-represented people in family law, child support, guardianship, landlord-tenant, small claims and CARE Court cases, with form review and court procedure information. Decedent estates are not among the listed case types.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
In California, informal probate is not availableCal. Prob. Code §§ 8005 (hearing on the petition), 8006 (court admits the will and appoints the personal representative); no registrar or clerk informal probate trackVerified Sep 8, 2026View source, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the San Bernardino County Self-Filing Assessment.
San Bernardino 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 matters are filed and heard at the Fontana District or the Victorville District according to where the matter arises, not at the San Bernardino Justice Center.
SourceSupporting papers accompany the petition, conservatorship filings include an extra copy of the whole petition for the Court Investigator, and filings include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of approved orders.
SourceA request to waive bond is accompanied by a declaration on the estate's solvency, its known unsecured creditors and their claims, its estimated tax liabilities and the efforts made to find that information.
SourceDocument Requirements
A copy of the death certificate, with the Social Security number redacted, is filed with every Petition for Probate, Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property, Spousal Property Petition and trust petition.
A marriage certificate is filed with every Spousal Property Petition.
SourcePetitions affecting title to real property attach a copy of the deed by which the decedent acquired title and list every encumbrance on the property.
SourceCourt Appearances
A matter not ready at the call of the calendar is continued at least four weeks; a party not proceeding informs the department's judicial assistant and the other parties by 4:30 PM two court days before the hearing.
SourceProbate departments F1, F2, F4 and F5 in Fontana and V15 in Victorville have Zoom links for remote appearances.
SourceRecords Access
Probate notes are posted on the Court Access Portal two weeks before the hearing and stay available for seven days after it.
When a matter other than a guardianship or conservatorship appointment is recommended for approval, the petitioner may choose not to appear, and the non-appearance may be treated as a submission on the notes.
SourceOther Requirements
Each district has its own policy for ex parte petitions; the probate clerk at that court gives the instructions.
Twenty-four hour telephonic notice is given to those entitled to it unless the court dispenses with notice for good cause, and proof of that notice is made at the ex parte hearing.
SourceWhat to Bring
Filed with the opening petition at the Superior Court - Probate Division: Certified copy of the death certificate (required by some counties with the petition; not a statewide DE-111 attachment); Original will and any codicils (lodged with the court) (Cal. Prob. Code § 8200); Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (DE-121) with proof of publication and mailed notice (§§ 8100, 8120); Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (DE-147); Confidential Supplement to Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (DE-147S), where the court requires it by local rule; Proposed Order for Probate (DE-140)Cal. Prob. Code §§ 8000-8577 (appointment & letters); §§ 8002, 10450 (petition contents)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Death Certificates and the Coroner in San Bernardino County
In California a death is registered locally, and in San Bernardino County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Department of Public Health, Vital Statistics Registration Office, San Bernardino County as well as by California Department of Public Health - Vital Records.
Vital Records Office Record
Local Health Department
San Bernardino County · Department of Public Health, Vital Statistics Registration Office
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Office
340 North Mountain View Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92415
Website
Certified copies
At the counter
Order online
Also issued by
The county recorder
Local rule
- The office holds San Bernardino County deaths from the last 24 months; older deaths are held at the County Hall of Records. In person, the sworn statement is signed in front of the office staff.
Burial and cremation permits
- Issued byDepartment of Public Health, Vital Statistics Registration Office, San Bernardino County
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $26 |
Verified November 1, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County · Sheriff's Department Coroner Division
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Office
175 South Lena Road, San Bernardino, CA 92415
Website
Mail and offices
Fax
1-909-387-2989
Verified November 1, 2026 · Source
Funeral Homes in San Bernardino County
40 funeral homes and crematories in San Bernardino County, each listed with the services it offers, the faiths it serves, the languages its staff speak, its address and its phone.
In Barstow, this funeral home on Irwin Road arranges funeral and cremation services for families across San Bernardino County. Its chapel seats around 100 guests, and cremations take place at the private crematory of its sister location in Victorville, which has a witness room.
Big Bear Mortuary in Big Bear City also lists Big Bear Cemetery on Maple Lane under the same telephone line. It is open Monday to Friday and on call 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
In Bloomington, Green Acres Mortuary sits on the grounds of a 60-acre cemetery and serves San Bernardino County. Many of its staff speak both English and Spanish. The mortuary was built on the park grounds in 1973.
In Chino, this funeral home has served San Bernardino County for more than 80 years with cremation and funeral services. It offers Hispanic families services according to their traditions, transfer of a loved one to their country of origin, and in-home visitation.
Colton Funeral Home has served families in Colton and the Inland Empire since 1960. It offers a selection of caskets and urns, customizable service options, and support to families experiencing the loss of a baby.
Funeral homes by city: Apple Valley, Barstow, Big Bear City, Bloomington, Chino, Colton, Fontana, Hesperia, Highland, Joshua Tree, Loma Linda, Needles, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland, Victorville, Yucaipa
Cremation Services in San Bernardino County
24 listings
Pre-Need Funeral Plans in San Bernardino County
15 listings
Burial Services in San Bernardino County
20 listings
Veterans Funeral Services in San Bernardino County
10 listings
Funeral Transport in San Bernardino County
12 listings
Spanish-Speaking Funeral Homes in San Bernardino County
12 listings
Green Burial in San Bernardino County
2 listings
Jewish Funeral Homes in San Bernardino County
1 listing
Catholic Funeral Homes in San Bernardino County
1 listing
Water Cremation in San Bernardino County
2 listings
Muslim Funeral Homes in San Bernardino County
1 listing
Listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any funeral home or crematory.
Transferring Property in San Bernardino 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 Recorder-Clerk.
Deeds and other real property documents for San Bernardino County are recorded with the County Recorder-Clerk at 222 West Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415. Phone: 1-909-387-8306. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
The County Recorder-Clerk charges $14 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page.
San Bernardino County accepts electronic recording through SECURE.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder-Clerk
San Bernardino County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Office
222 West Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415
Website
E-recording
Fees
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 |
| GC 27388.2 Restrictive Covenant Modification Fee (AB 1466)Applies to a TOD deed | $2 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax |
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
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
Forms that put a death on the title
- Free forms: Affidavit of Death Form
Probate Attorneys Serving San Bernardino County
California allows independent administrationCal. Prob. Code §§ 10400 (Independent Administration of Estates Act), 10500(a) (administer without court supervision), 10501 (actions still requiring court supervision)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so the personal representative manages, pays and distributes the estate without returning to the court for approval at each step. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in California are set by statute as a percentage of the estate's value, so every San Bernardino County attorney charges the same schedule. Price isn't the variable — experience with the Superior Court - Probate Division and responsiveness are.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Superior Court - Probate 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.
Serves San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties from San Bernardino, with three Orange County and desert offices. Handles probate and trust administration, will contests and trust disputes, guardianships, conservatorships, and elder abuse claims. Thomas W. Dominick chairs the trusts and estates department and is a State Bar certified specialist; the firm dates to 1948.
Corona-headquartered firm with offices in San Diego, Newport Beach, Glendale, and San Francisco, plus satellite offices in Riverside, Temecula, Vista, and Roseville. Through its Sandoval Legacy Group division it handles probate and trust administration, conservatorships, will contests and fiduciary disputes, elder law, and special needs planning. Offers a free phone consultation.
Riverside practice focused on probate across Southern California and the Inland Empire, including large estates, spousal property petitions, out-of-state probate, and summary procedures for smaller estates. Serves Anaheim, Chino Hills, Claremont, Fullerton, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, Santa Ana, and Upland. Offers free consultations, virtual consultations, and remote case management.
San Bernardino office at the Commercenter West complex, with a second office in Riverside, serving clients across the High Desert, Inland Empire, and greater Los Angeles. Handles probate, will contests, trust litigation, and estate planning, alongside related real estate disputes such as quiet title and partition actions. Bilingual intake and on-site notary service.
Serves San Bernardino County from Upland, along with Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties. Represents families on probate administration, trust administration after a death, asset allocation, and estate tax minimization. Howard Borenstein is a State Bar certified specialist in taxation law, and the initial phone consultation is free.
High Desert firm in Victorville, serving San Bernardino County clients since 1986. Guides families through probate after a death, including will authentication, asset accounting, creditor and heir notice, and will contests, and prepares wills, trusts, and charitable gifts. Probate consultations are free.
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.
Legal Sources
(10)·
- Cal. Gov. Code §§ 70650(a), 70602.5, 70602.6
- Cal. Prob. Code § 10800
- Cal. Prob. Code §§ 10400 (Independent Administration of Estates Act), 10500(a) (administer without court supervision), 10501 (actions still requiring court supervision)
- Cal. Prob. Code §§ 8000-8577 (appointment & letters); §§ 8002, 10450 (petition contents)
- Cal. Prob. Code §§ 8005 (hearing on the petition), 8006 (court admits the will and appoints the personal representative); no registrar or clerk informal probate track
- Cal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420; CCP § 366.2
- 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
- San Bernardino Superior Court - Probate Division, official page
- San Bernardino County Recorder-Clerk, official page
- San Bernardino County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
Data sourced from California statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.
Tools for Settling an Estate in California
Free tools for settling an estate in California: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in California: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysCal. Prob. Code §§ 8800-8804, 8900-8903Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420; CCP § 366.2Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 9 months to 12 months.
See the Steps
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in California happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's trust statuteCal. Prob. Code § 15000 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 60 daysCal. Prob. Code §§ 16061.7, 16061.8, 16064, 16460Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
See the Steps
Can I Self-File Probate?
In California, informal probate is not availableCal. Prob. Code §§ 8005 (hearing on the petition), 8006 (court admits the will and appoints the personal representative); no registrar or clerk informal probate trackVerified Sep 8, 2026View source, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing.
Get the Answer
Hire a California Probate Attorney
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