Estate Planning & Probate in Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Superior Court - Probate Division.
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 Santa Cruz County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Santa Cruz County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Santa Cruz County→The Probate Process in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, probate runs through the Superior Court - Probate Division at 701 Ocean Street, Room 110, Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz County runs probate e-filing through santacruz.courts.ca.gov, its own system rather than a shared statewide portal.
Full Santa Cruz Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court - Probate Division
Santa Cruz County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Santa Cruz County · County Recorder
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
The Superior Court - Probate Division schedules probate hearings Probate hearings Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; pre-approval lists posted ~1 court day prior.
Mail slot available for after-hours filings; items need receipt by 5:00 PM to be filed that day. Pre-approval lists posted approximately one business day before hearings. Check online for Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedules.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Santa Cruz County.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
