This Bonita office belongs to a family owned cremation and burial firm that is open 24/7. It arranges cremation and burial, helps with veterans' benefits paperwork, and lets family or friends be present in the crematory.
What to Do When Someone Dies in San Diego County, California
How probate works in San Diego County: the Superior Court - Probate Division record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
San Diego County Superior Court - Probate Division
San Diego County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Office
1100 Union Street, 3rd Floor, San Diego, CA 92101
Website
E-filing
Filing in person
Walk-ins accepted
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
Required for attorneysAttorneys for represented parties file every probate document through an approved electronic filing service provider, except the documents listed, which are filed on paper. Self-represented parties may e-file voluntarily. An original will for a petition that was e-filed is delivered to the Probate Business Office on a stiff backing marked with the probate case number. On paper: Original wills and codicils; Undertakings and surety bonds; Lodged documents; Out-of-state commission subpoenas; Settlement conference briefs; Documents filed under seal or provisionally under seal.
Filing in person
Walk-ins acceptedThe Probate Business Office on the third floor of the Central Courthouse takes filings, sells forms and packets, shows records and accepts will deposits, Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The North County Regional Center in Vista has a probate drop box on the first floor. The office phone is answered 8:30 to 11:30 AM.
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe Decedent's Estate Packet (PKT-057) collects the petition, the court's timeline and its general information sheet for self-represented filers. Probate examiners answer questions about defects already listed in the probate notes; they do not give legal advice or review unfiled documents.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCheck, Money order, Credit card.Checks are payable to Clerk of the Court; card payments by mail use the confidential Credit Card Payment Form (SDSC ADM-253). Mailed requests include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Hearing schedule
- Decedent estate petitions are heard in Departments 501 to 504 at the Central Courthouse: Tuesdays at 10:00 AM (501) and 9:30 AM (503), and Wednesdays at 1:30 PM (502) and 8:45 AM and 2:00 PM (504).
County forms
- PKT-057 Decedent's Estate PacketSelf-help packet for opening a decedent's estate
- PR-132 Affidavit for Collection of Property Without ProbateSmall estate affidavit, notarized and given to the holder of the property rather than filed with the court.
- PR-177 Response to Probate NotesSupplement answering defects listed in the probate examiner notes.
- PR-189 Request for Copies (Probate)Request for more than five certified or exemplified copies from a probate file.
Departments
- Central Courthouse1-619-844-2700 · 1100 Union Street
- Probate Examinerscentralprobateexaminernotes@sdcourt.ca.gov · Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-10:30 AMPhone by the Probate Business Office number; email for continuance requests and questions about defects in the probate notes, sent at least four court days before the hearing, with no attachments.
- North County Regional Center (drop box)325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081 · Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:00 PMFirst-floor drop box for probate filings.
About the court
- Probate filings go to the Probate Business Office on the third floor of the Central Courthouse; probate hearings are in Departments 501 to 504. Each department posts its own policies and procedures on the Probate Rules page.
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in San Diego 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 Diego, probate runs through the Superior Court - Probate Division at 1100 Union Street, 3rd Floor, San Diego. Probate e-filing in San Diego County goes through sdcourt.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 Diego County
What probate costs in San Diego 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 1100 Union Street, 3rd Floor, San Diego.
Procedures at this court that affect cost: Letters in a decedent's estate expire 18 months after the petition is approved; a review hearing is set if no accounting or status report under Probate Code section 12200 has been filed by then.
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 Diego County, California are filed at the Superior Court - Probate Division.
Beside the filing office, the court lists separate lines for Central Courthouse, Probate Examiners, and North County Regional Center (drop box).
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 Diego County Self-Filing Assessment.
San Diego 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
Every probate case is filed in the Central Division; the East, North and South County Divisions are part of it for probate venue.
SourceDocuments in a matter already set for hearing are filed no later than four court days before the hearing, with the case number, hearing date, time, department and ROA number on the first page.
Later filings may not be reflected in the probate notes and are considered only at the court's discretion.
SourceA first or second continuance of more than two weeks on an uncontested matter may be obtained from the probate examiner; later continuances need the court's approval.
SourceWhen a bond is required, the minimum bond for a resident or non-resident personal representative on first appointment is $20,000.
A request for reduced or waived bond states what the petitioner knows of the decedent's creditors and liabilities with the amount of each claim; a non-resident is bonded at no less than the minimum even when the will or the heirs waive bond.
SourceDocument Requirements
Original wills and codicils are submitted on a stiff backing or manuscript cover with the document's title visible on the right margin.
A copy of a deposited will is released only on a certified or informational copy of the death certificate whose name matches the will.
SourcePetitions affecting title to real property attach the deed by which the decedent took title and list every encumbrance, and petitions state whether any financial account names a pay-on-death beneficiary.
SourceCourt Appearances
An appearance is required on every matter not preapproved, even when the examiner notes list no defects; none is needed when the probate examiners have continued the matter.
SourceService Requirements
Notice to the Public Administrator is required in an administration proceeding when the proposed personal representative is a creditor, is unrelated to the decedent or lives outside the United States, unless nominated by someone with higher priority.
SourceRecords Access
Probate examiner notes are posted on the court website and updated as supplements are reviewed; a filer without internet access may attach a Mail Option Form (PR-114) with a stamped envelope to have them mailed.
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 Medical Examiner in San Diego County
In California a death is registered locally, and in San Diego County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Office of Vital Records and Statistics, San Diego County as well as by California Department of Public Health - Vital Records.
Vital Records Office Record
Local Health Department
San Diego County · Office of Vital Records and Statistics
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Office
5530 Overland Avenue, Suite 170, San Diego, CA 92123
Website
Order online
Also issued by
The county recorder
Local rule
- The office issues certificates for deaths in San Diego County within the last two years. Older deaths are held by the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, whose offices need no appointment.
Burial and cremation permits
- Issued byOffice of Vital Records and Statistics, San Diego County
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $26 |
Verified November 1, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Medical Examiner
San Diego County · San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office
Phone
Office
5570 Overland Avenue, Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92123-1206
Website
Mail and offices
Fax
1-858-495-5956
Verified November 1, 2026 · Source
Funeral Homes in San Diego County
53 funeral homes and crematories in San Diego County, each listed with the services it offers, the faiths it serves, the languages its staff speak, its address and its phone.
In Bonita, Glen Abbey's mortuary provides cremations and funerals, and its memorial park offers ground burial, mausoleum entombment and niche placement. The park has served South San Diego County since 1924, and the funeral home arranges services with military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
In Carlsbad, Accu-Care provides cremation and, for families that choose burial, funeral services. Its veterans specialists work with the Department of Veterans Affairs on VA death and cremation benefits, and the site states Se Habla Español. The business was launched in 1992.
In Chula Vista, Community Mortuary offers burial, cremation and funeral services and has served families throughout San Diego County since 1999. Advance planning is available through a prearrangement trust fund option or a funeral insurance option.
In Chula Vista, this funeral home has provided funeral and cremation services since 1955 and serves the South Bay community of San Diego County. Its Broadway building has two large chapels, three visitation rooms and a community room; cremation is carried out at an off-site crematorium.
In El Cajon, this family-owned home states expertise in burial, cremation, funeral and memorial ceremonies and veterans' services, and it completes applications for veterans' benefits. It offers water cremation performed in San Diego County, says it owns one of the county's crematories, and has a chapel seating over 150 guests.
Funeral homes by city: Bonita, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, La Mesa, National City, Oceanside, Poway, Ramona, San Diego, San Marcos, Vista
Cremation Services in San Diego County
42 listings
Pre-Need Funeral Plans in San Diego County
16 listings
Burial Services in San Diego County
26 listings
Veterans Funeral Services in San Diego County
20 listings
Funeral Transport in San Diego County
9 listings
Spanish-Speaking Funeral Homes in San Diego County
10 listings
Green Burial in San Diego County
1 listing
Jewish Funeral Homes in San Diego County
2 listings
Water Cremation in San Diego County
1 listing
Listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any funeral home or crematory.
Transferring Property in San Diego 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.
Deeds and other real property documents for San Diego County are recorded with the County Recorder at 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92101. Phone: 1-619-238-8158. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 121750, San Diego, CA 92112-1750.
The County Recorder charges $14 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
San Diego County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Office
1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92101
Website
P.O. Box 121750
San Diego, CA 92112-1750
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 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 Diego 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 Diego 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.
Escondido firm serving North San Diego County families through probate and trust administration. In probate it handles court filings and creditor claims while validating the will, settling debts, and distributing assets; in trust administration it helps executors and trustees account for assets and complete distributions, and it establishes guardianships and special-needs trusts.
San Diego County firm on Hotel Circle North that has focused on probate, trusts, and estates for more than 30 years. Represents personal representatives and trustees through probate and trust administration, prepares estate tax returns and trust accountings, and litigates contested probate and trust matters. Also handles conservatorships and guardianships.
San Diego firm handling probate and trust administration, will contests, and guardianship and conservatorship matters. Suzanne Nicholl serves as a court-appointed attorney for the San Diego County Probate Court and was selected by the California State Bar as a special master for San Diego County.
Estate planning and probate legal services throughout San Diego County. Attorney Shawn Leo handles estate planning, probate, trust litigation, business succession planning, and elder law matters.
East County San Diego firm with offices in La Mesa, Alpine, and Chula Vista, serving Lemon Grove, El Cajon, and the rest of San Diego County. It walks executors and successor trustees through probate and trust administration after a death, and builds special needs trusts for families providing for a disabled beneficiary. Attorney Sophia Gallardo is fluent in Spanish.
Carlsbad boutique serving San Diego County probate court, focused exclusively on probate, trust administration, and estate planning. Guides successor trustees through their duties and deadlines and has administered 250+ San Diego County estates since the firm was founded in 2021. Free video or phone consultation.
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 Diego Superior Court - Probate Division, official page
- San Diego County Recorder, official page
- San Diego 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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