What to Do When Someone Dies in San Francisco, California
Probate in San Francisco County runs through the Superior Court - Probate Court: 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.
When someone dies in San Francisco County, settling their estate runs through the Superior Court - Probate Court. 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 - Probate Court
San Francisco County
Address
400 McAllister Street, Department 204San Francisco, CA 94102
Civic Center Courthouse, Department 204. Filing at Room 103, Windows 23-25 (phone: 415-551-3892). Tentative rulings line: 415-551-4000. Motion scheduling: 415-551-3702.
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.
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 San Francisco County
What probate costs in San Francisco 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 Court at 400 McAllister Street, Department 204, San Francisco.
Probate matters are handled through Probate Court (Department 204), Probate Department Investigators, Probate Section Clerk's Office Supervisor, and Hall of Justice. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
San Francisco 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.
The Superior Court - Probate Court charges $435Cal. Gov. Code §§ 70650(a), 70602.5, 70602.6Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open a probate case. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys filing at the Superior Court - Probate Court (https://sf.courts.ca.gov/online-services/e-filing). 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 - Probate Court
If you're handling probate yourself in San Francisco County, California, you can file at the Superior Court - Probate Court 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 Probate Court (Department 204), Probate Department Investigators, Probate Section Clerk's Office Supervisor, and Hall of Justice. 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 San Francisco 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.
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Superior Court - Probate Court is realistic. San Francisco County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Document Requirements
Conservator petitions must include Judicial Council form GC-325 (Confidential Declaration on Medical Ability to Attend Hearing).
Court Appearances
Law and Motion Calendar: Wednesday/Thursday afternoons, and Fridays, in Department 204.
Ex parte matters: leave courtesy copy with probate clerk in Room 103. Use blue cover sheet for expedited review if demonstrable urgency.
Other Requirements
Motion rulings generally available by 3:00 PM the court day prior to motion.
Before You Go
Hearing schedule
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
What to Bring
To file at the Superior Court - Probate Court 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 San Francisco 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 Francisco County are recorded with the County Recorder, led by Assessor-Recorder Joaquin Torres, at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 190, San Francisco, CA 94102. Phone: (628) 652-8100. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (recording); 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (office).
The County Recorder charges $14 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page.
San Francisco County accepts electronic recording.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
San Francisco County · Assessor-Recorder · Joaquin Torres
Address
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 190San Francisco, CA 94102
California uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in San Francisco 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 San Francisco County attorney charges the same schedule. Price isn't the variable — experience with the Superior Court - Probate Court and responsiveness are.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Superior Court - Probate Court, 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 Francisco, San Mateo, and the surrounding Bay Area from downtown San Francisco. Handles probate and trust administration through asset distribution and title transfers, plus conservatorships and trust and estate litigation. Principal Sheila Robello holds an LLM in taxation and is a State Bar certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbate Litigationand 2 more
Napa estate planning and elder law practice led by Anthony Celaya, with offices across California from Santa Rosa and Sacramento to Los Angeles and San Diego. Handles probate and estate administration and Medi-Cal planning alongside trusts, wills, and incapacity planning. Clients are served in person or through virtual consultations, and the initial consultation is free.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 2 more
Serves Bay Area families from downtown San Francisco, with probate filed in the San Francisco, Alameda, and San Mateo County Superior Courts. Handles probate from the petition through inventory, creditor claims, and final distribution, alongside Medi-Cal and elder law planning and asset protection. Founder Jay Greene is both a licensed attorney and a CPA.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 2 more
Bay Area trusts and estates practice serving San Francisco and the North Bay from offices in San Francisco and Sonoma. Attorney Amy Harrington handles trust and probate administration, conservatorships, and will and trust contests, and is frequently appointed to serve as administrator, trustee, partition referee, and receiver.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 5 more
Office
One Embarcadero, Suite 1200San Francisco, CA 94111
Represents executors, trustees, and beneficiaries across San Mateo, San Francisco, and Santa Clara counties from a downtown Redwood City office near the courthouse, handling probate and trust administration, probate and trust litigation, and estate and gift tax questions. Michael E. Pitts has practiced in San Mateo County for more than 30 years and offers a free half-hour consultation.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 3 more
Office
600 Allerton Street, Suite 200Redwood City, CA 94063
Serves the Bay Area from offices in Pleasanton, San Francisco, and Cupertino. Guides trustees and personal representatives through non-contested probate, trust administration, non-trust assets, and gift and estate tax returns, and represents beneficiaries denied funds or information. Connie Yi is a State Bar certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, Estate and Probate Law and a CPA.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTrust Litigationand 2 more
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.
Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
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Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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