Estate Planning & Probate in Sonoma County, California
There are two reasons people look up Sonoma County probate: to keep a family out of it, or to get a loved one's estate through it. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Superior Court - Probate Division details.
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 Sonoma County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Sonoma County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Sonoma County→The Probate Process in Sonoma 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 Sonoma County, probate runs through the Superior Court - Probate Division at 3055 Cleveland Avenue, Santa Rosa. Sonoma County runs probate e-filing through sonoma.courts.ca.gov, its own system rather than a shared statewide portal.
Full Sonoma Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Superior Court - Probate Division
Sonoma County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk-Recorder
Sonoma County · Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Registrar of Voters · Deva Marie Proto
Address
Phone
Hours
$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
E-filing mandatory for represented parties and attorneys effective January 1, 2026 per Local Rule 17.22 and CCP § 1010.6. Ex Parte applications for conservatorship, estate, and trust matters must be e-filed if submitted by attorneys. Self-represented parties may submit in person at clerk's office.
California Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Sonoma County.
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