What to Do When Someone Dies in Yolo County, California

Probate in Yolo 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.

What probate costsHow to fileTransferring propertyLocal attorneys

When someone dies in Yolo 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

Yolo County

Address

1000 Main StreetWoodland, CA 95695

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Visit court website →
Paper filing availableE-filing required for attorneys

Departments

  • Civil Division (handles Probate)530-406-6704
  • Self-Help Center530-406-6794

Main Courthouse. Probate handled by Civil Division (530-406-6704). General courthouse: 530-406-6700. Self-Help Center on 2nd Floor. TurboCourt online assistance available for guardianship filings.

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Verified July 3, 2026 · Source

How Probate Works in Yolo 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 Yolo County, probate runs through the Superior Court - Probate Court at 1000 Main Street, Woodland. Yolo County runs probate e-filing through yolo.courts.ca.gov, its own system rather than a shared statewide portal.

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 Yolo County

What probate costs in Yolo 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 1000 Main Street, Woodland.

Probate matters are handled through Civil Division (handles Probate) and Self-Help Center. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.

California charges $435Cal. Gov. Code §§ 70650(a), 70602.5, 70602.6Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. 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://www.yolo.courts.ca.gov/online-services/efile-court-documents). 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 Yolo 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 Civil Division (handles Probate) and Self-Help Center. 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 Yolo 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.

View E-Filing Information

Can You File 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.

For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Yolo County Self-Filing Assessment.

Yolo 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

Will must be filed within 30 days after death of decedent if person has possession of will.

Estates under $100,000 do not require full probate proceeding.

Court Appearances

Temporary proceedings can be filed ex parte (without other party present).

Service Requirements

Notice of Petition to Administer Estate must be published to notify creditors. Minimum four-month waiting period required after notice to creditors before estate distribution.

Other Requirements

Court investigators assigned to interview parties before hearings.

Probate Notes posted online with recommendations for petition outcomes. Notes do not automatically become court orders.

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 Yolo 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 Clerk-Recorder.

Deeds and other real property documents for Yolo County are recorded with the County Clerk-Recorder, led by Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters Jesse Salinas, at 625 Court Street, Room B-01, Woodland, CA 95695. Phone: (530) 666-8130. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 1130, Woodland, CA 95695.

The County Clerk-Recorder charges $15 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page.

Yolo County accepts electronic recording through CeRTNA (authorized agents: CSC, eRecording Partners Network, Indecomm Global Services, Nationwide Title Clearing, Simplifile, ValueCheck).

Recording Office Record

County Clerk-Recorder

Yolo County · Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters · Jesse Salinas

Address

625 Court Street, Room B-01Woodland, CA 95695Mailing: P.O. Box 1130, Woodland, CA 95695

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

E-recording

Available via CeRTNA (authorized agents: CSC, eRecording Partners Network, Indecomm Global Services, Nationwide Title Clearing, Simplifile, ValueCheck)E-recording info →
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Base fee (first page)$15
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 deedExempt

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

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Verified September 4, 2026 · Source

Probate Attorneys Serving Yolo County

California uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Yolo 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 Yolo 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.

FirmSacramento, CA

Law Offices of Daniel A. Hunt

Serves 3 counties

Sacramento firm with additional offices in Folsom and Roseville, covering estate planning, trust administration, probate, conservatorships, and trust and estate litigation. Founder Daniel Hunt is a State Bar of California Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Offers no-cost initial consultations by phone, video, or in person.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 more

Office
798 University AvenueSacramento, CA 95825
Free consultationVirtual consultations

Solo PracticeDavis, CA

Marissa Sirota Law, PLC

Serves 3 counties

Davis attorney serving Yolo, Sacramento, and Solano Counties with probate and trust administration alongside estate planning. Represents people appointed — or seeking appointment — as personal representatives, executors, trustees, and administrators. Marissa Sirota is a California-certified mediator and a former civil litigation trial lawyer.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbate

Office
510 4th St.Davis, CA 95616

FirmSacramento, CA

Northern California Center for Estate Planning & Elder Law

Since 1987 · Serves 7 counties

Sacramento and Roseville firm serving Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, Nevada, and Yuba-Sutter Counties with trust administration, probate, Medi-Cal planning, and long-term care planning since 1987. Founder Timothy Murphy is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans with benefits claims. Offers a free initial telephone call.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationElder Lawand 4 more

Office
2277 Fair Oaks Blvd, Ste 320Sacramento, CA 95825
Free consultationVirtual consultations

FirmDavis, CA

Pakpour Banks LLP

Since 2019 · Serves 7 counties

Davis firm serving Yolo, Sacramento, Solano, Placer, Colusa, El Dorado, and Yuba Counties with probate administration and conservatorships alongside estate planning and special needs planning. Keith Banks was previously probate clerk and attorney-unit research assistant at the Yolo Superior Court. Formed in 2019 by the merger of two Yolo County firms.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateConservatorshipSpecial Needs Planning

Office
1712 Picasso Ave, Suite BDavis, CA 95618
Free consultation

Solo PracticeWoodland, CA

Sonin Law, P.C.

Serves 2 counties

Woodland firm with a second Fairfield office serving Yolo and Solano Counties — Davis, Dixon, Vacaville, Rio Vista, and Vallejo — with probate, trust administration, conservatorships, and special needs trusts alongside estate planning and long-term-care planning. Barbara Sonin is a certified specialist in estates, trusts, and probate. Meetings are available by Zoom.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 3 more

Office
21 Court StreetWoodland, CA 95695
Virtual consultations

FirmFairfield, CA

California Will & Trust

Serves 3 counties

Serves Solano County from Fairfield, taking estates through the county's probate court. Works with executors on probate administration and the duties and personal liability that come with the role, and with successor trustees on trust administration after a death; also handles conservatorships and guardianships. Meetings are available in person or by video.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 2 more

Office
1125 Missouri Street, Suite 207Fairfield, CA 94533
Virtual consultations
See all 40 firms serving Yolo County→

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.

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Legal Sources

Data sourced from California statutes and official state code. How we research.

Notify Banks & Financial Institutions

Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.

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Credit Union serving the West and Southwest

America First

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Arrowhead CU

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Bank serving the West, Midwest, and more

BMO

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Bank serving the Northeast, West, and more

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Bank serving the Northeast, West, and more

Citibank

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