In Anderson, this chapel on Howard Street offers funeral, memorial, burial and cremation services to families in Anderson and nearby Cottonwood. It states it has served them since 1986.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Shasta County, California
How probate works in Shasta County: the Superior Court - Probate Division record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Shasta County Superior Court - Probate Division
Shasta County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Office
1515 Court Street, Redding, CA 96001
Website
Filing in person
Walk-ins accepted
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
Filing in person
Walk-ins acceptedProbate, conservatorship and guardianship matters are filed in the Civil Division clerk's office at the Main Courthouse, open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. A petition to appoint a guardian or conservator is filed with an extra copy of the petition and supporting documents for the Court Investigator.
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe court points filers to the statewide Judicial Council forms and posts local probate forms, including an affidavit under Probate Code 13101 and a petition to transfer proceedings to another county.
Hearing schedule
- Probate calendar Mondays at 2:30 PM in Department 44; tentative rulings are posted on the court's website at least 12 hours before the hearing.
Self-help center
- Main Courthouse, 1515 Court Street, Room 320, Redding1-530-245-6900 · selfhelp@shasta.courts.ca.govThe Family Law Facilitator's Office and Self-Help Center gives general information and help with forms, first come, first served, during posted walk-in hours; the phone line takes messages only. It helps with guardianship of the person and does not assist with conservatorships, guardianships of the estate or general civil cases; decedent estates are not among its listed services.
County forms
- LF-PRB-102 Affidavit Under California Probate Code Section 13101Small estate affidavit for collecting personal property of a decedent without probate.
- LF-PRB-107 Petition to Transfer Proceedings to Another County in CaliforniaPetition to move a probate proceeding to another California county.
- LF-PRB-101 Order Appointing Court InvestigatorOrder filed in a guardianship or conservatorship case appointing the Court Investigator.
Fax
1-530-605-2802
About the court
- Probate matters are heard at the Main Courthouse and filed through the Civil Division clerk's office. Email to the Probate Division is for general information only and is not placed in the case file.
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Shasta 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 Shasta County, probate runs through the Superior Court - Probate Division at 1515 Court Street, Redding. Shasta County is one of 7 California counties where probate filings are still paper-only; most probate courts in the state accept electronic filing.
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 Shasta County
What probate costs in Shasta 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 1515 Court Street, Redding.
Procedures at this court that affect cost: Ordinarily no more than 75% of statutory compensation is allowed before final distribution, and $750 is treated as reasonable attorney compensation for a real property sale with a confirmation hearing; A petition for final distribution sets out the assets on hand, each heir's entitlement, the fee and commission computation, a schedule of creditor claims, and the separate or community character of the property.
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 Shasta County are filed at the Superior Court - Probate Division. File in person during business hours or by mail.
The Family Law Facilitator's Office and Self-Help Center gives general information and help with forms, first come, first served, during posted walk-in hours; the phone line takes messages only. It helps with guardianship of the person and does not assist with conservatorships, guardianships of the estate or general civil cases; decedent estates are not among its listed services.
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 Shasta County Self-Filing Assessment.
Shasta 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
Proposed orders and affidavits of publication are filed or lodged with the clerk at least three court days before the hearing, and every petition carries a proposed order.
Local Rules 15.05 and 15.06.
SourcePleadings are signed by the attorney and each representative, and the representative signs the verification personally, not the attorney, except where Code of Civil Procedure 446(a) allows.
Local Rule 15.03.
SourceDocument Requirements
A petition to establish the fact of death to end a joint tenancy or life estate is verified and attaches a copy of the instrument and of the death certificate.
Local Rule 15.12.
SourceCourt Appearances
Tentative rulings on the probate calendar are posted outside the department on the hearing day and on the court's website, under the Probate link for estates, trusts and conservatorships, at least 12 hours before the hearing.
An order signed on a granted petition is placed in will-call or mailed after the Monday calendar; appearances are made remotely through WebEx (Local Rule 15.15).
SourceService Requirements
A copy of the petition is served with the notice of hearing on anyone who requested special notice, and on all interested parties when fees or commissions above the statutory amounts are requested.
Local Rule 15.04.
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 Shasta County
In California a death is registered locally, and in Shasta County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Health and Human Services Agency Vital Records, Shasta County as well as by California Department of Public Health - Vital Records.
Vital Records Office Record
Local Health Department
Shasta County · Health and Human Services Agency Vital Records
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-11:45 AM and 1:00 PM-4:30 PM
Office
2650 Breslauer Way, Redding, CA 96001
Website
Certified copies
At the counter
Order online
Also issued by
The county recorder
Fax
1-530-245-6874
Local rule
- The office provides death certificates for two years from the date of death, with walk-in hours from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. Older deaths are held by the County Recorder.
Burial and cremation permits
- Issued byHealth and Human Services Agency Vital Records, Shasta County
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $26 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Sheriff-Coroner
Shasta County · Sheriff's Office Coroner's Office
Phone
Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Office
4555 Veterans Lane, Redding, CA 96001
Website
Mail and offices
Fax
1-530-225-5572
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Funeral Homes in Shasta County
9 funeral homes and crematories in Shasta County, each listed with the services it offers, the faiths it serves, the languages its staff speak, its address and its phone.
In Palo Cedro, this chapel on Honor Court offers funeral, burial, memorial and cremation services and operates its own crematory. Its large chapel holds public services, and a reception hall serves luncheons.
In Palo Cedro, this privately owned crematory serves the funeral chapel on Honor Court, which states it keeps full responsibility for loved ones in its care throughout the cremation process.
In Redding, this chapel on Eureka Way offers funeral, burial, memorial and cremation services and runs its own crematory. It states it has been locally owned since 1922.
In Redding, Aquaterra performs water cremation (aquamation), first offered to Northern California families in Summer 2024. The locally founded, family-run team hosts memorial gatherings in its own space and offers pre-need planning and on-staff death doula support.
In Redding, this family-owned home on Mountain View Drive provides funeral, cremation, burial and pre-planning services from its own crematory. Staff help veterans' families navigate benefits eligibility and planning.
Funeral homes by city: Anderson, Palo Cedro, Redding
Cremation Services in Shasta County
5 listings
Pre-Need Funeral Plans in Shasta County
3 listings
Burial Services in Shasta County
7 listings
Veterans Funeral Services in Shasta County
2 listings
Water Cremation in Shasta County
1 listing
Listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any funeral home or crematory.
Transferring Property in Shasta 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 Shasta County are recorded with the County Recorder at 1450 Court Street, Suite 208, Redding, CA 96001. Phone: 1-530-225-5671. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
The County Recorder charges $14 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page.
Shasta County accepts electronic recording.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Shasta County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Office
1450 Court Street, Suite 208, Redding, CA 96001
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 |
| 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 Shasta 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 Shasta 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.
Red Bluff and Redding offices serving Shasta and Tehama County executors and successor trustees, through court probate and through trust administration outside of probate, including disputes that arise in the probate process. The practice also handles wills, powers of attorney, and planning to limit estate taxes.
Redding firm serving Shasta County with trust administration and probate and small estate administration alongside estate planning and conservatorships. DeAnne Parker is a California Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts, and Probate Law, and Alan Cox is a Redding native with more than two decades in practice in the North State.
Redding office serving Shasta County and the northern Sacramento Valley with probate administration and trust administration alongside wills, trusts, and advance directives. Justin Arel sits on the Shasta-Trinity Counties Bar Association probate law committee. Complimentary initial consultation for new estate planning clients.
Red Bluff firm serving Tehama and Shasta Counties since 1976, originally Hedlund & McCarthy. Handles trust administration, probate, and decedent's estate administration for estates of all sizes, from smaller estates eligible for expedited administration to large, complex estates requiring litigation.
Serves Shasta County from Redding. Handles probate administration, trust administration, conservatorships, and trust and probate litigation, including special needs trusts and Medi-Cal planning. Practicing in Redding since 1990; led by Managing Partner Margarita Vienneau, a former Shasta County prosecutor.
Redding practice on Eureka Way handling Shasta County probate — the collection, management, and distribution of a decedent's estate through the court — plus living trusts, wills, and business law, with a second California office in Costa Mesa and a Middle Tennessee office in Brentwood. Attorney Douglas A. Wright publishes his fees, including flat-fee small-estate probate.
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
- Shasta County Superior Court - Probate Division, official page
- Shasta County Recorder, official page
- Shasta 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.
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