Estate Planning & Probate in San Francisco, California
Most San Francisco County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Superior Court - Probate Court.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Superior Court - Probate Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in San Francisco County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a San Francisco County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in San Francisco County→The Probate Process in San Francisco 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 Francisco, probate runs through the Superior Court - Probate Court at 400 McAllister Street, Department 204, San Francisco. Probate e-filing in San Francisco County goes through sf.courts.ca.gov, a county-specific system.
Full San Francisco Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court - Probate Court
San Francisco County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
San Francisco County · Assessor-Recorder · Joaquin Torres
Address
Phone
Fax
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 Court
The Superior Court - Probate Court schedules probate hearings Department 204: appearance matters 9:00 AM Mon/Tue/Wed; guardianship petitions Tue 1:30 PM; conservator appointments Thu 9:00 AM; Law & Motion Wed/Thu afternoons and Fri.
The court offers a self-help center. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice.
Conservator petitions must include Judicial Council form GC-325 (Confidential Declaration on Medical Ability to Attend Hearing). Law and Motion Calendar: Wednesday/Thursday afternoons, and Fridays, in Department 204.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in San Francisco County.
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