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Use This County Probate Reference Before You File

This page is built for the detailed county-level checks that generic probate guides usually miss: local filing fees, clerk contact details, administrative orders, e-filing rules, and hearing logistics for San Mateo County.

Local Fee Schedule

Review county-specific probate filing charges before you estimate total case cost.

Court Rules and Orders

Check the local rules, judge procedures, and administrative orders that can change how a case moves.

Clerk and Filing Logistics

Confirm where to file, whether e-filing is allowed, and how hearings or notices are handled locally.

San Mateo County Probate Court Guide

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo probate court information · Updated January 2026

(650) 261-5100County Clerk
Family Guide
Professional Reference
Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo|
Case SearchE-File
Jump to:FeesDocumentsFilingDeadlinesHearingsGuardianship

Filing & Fees

Complete Fee Schedule

Source ↗

Probate Filing Fees

Filing TypeFee
Petition for Probate
Standard probate filing fee
$435
Small Estate Affidavit
For estates under threshold (no court filing needed)
$0
Spousal Property Petition
Transfer community property to surviving spouse
$435
Real Property Petition
Transfer real property without full probate
$435

Accepted Payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card, Money Order

Note: Fees set by California Uniform Civil Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2024).

Document Fees

Certified Copy (per page)
$1
Certification (per document)
$2
Payment Methods: Cash, Check, Credit Card, Money Order

Fees set by California Uniform Civil Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2024).

Required Documents

  • Petition for Probate(DE-111)

    Judicial Council form - starts probate case

  • Notice of Petition to Administer Estate(DE-121)

    Must be mailed/served to heirs and beneficiaries

  • Death Certificate

    Certified copy required. Order 10-15 copies.

  • Original Will (if exists)

    Original will must be filed with court

  • Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative(DE-147)

    Must be signed by personal representative

  • Inventory and Appraisal(DE-160)

    Due within 4 months of appointment. Probate referee appraises non-cash assets.

  • Notice of Administration to Creditors(DE-157)
  • Petition for Probate(DE-111)

    Judicial Council form - starts probate case

  • Notice of Petition to Administer Estate(DE-121)

    Must be mailed/served to heirs and beneficiaries

  • Death Certificate

    Certified copy required. Order 10-15 copies.

  • Original Will (if exists)

    Original will must be filed with court

  • Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative(DE-147)

    Must be signed by personal representative

  • Inventory and Appraisal(DE-160)

    Due within 4 months of appointment. Probate referee appraises non-cash assets.

  • Notice of Administration to Creditors(DE-157)

E-Filing & Filing Methods

Source ↗
Various (county-specific)Case SearchProbate FormsSmart Forms

Records portal

Use this county-linked source to check live court-record information when available. Search results may not include every probate record.

Open portal
Source foundSearchable, completeness not guaranteedPublic portal

San Mateo County Superior Court Records Index available online

Filing Methods: in person, e file

Timelines & Proceedings

Deadlines & Creditor Claims

Key Deadlines

Will Deposit
30 days
Creditor Claims
4 months
Known Creditor Notice
30 days

Creditor Claims

Period Starts
date of first publication of notice to creditors
Statute
California Probate Code sections 9100-9103

Publication Requirements

Notice to Creditors

Duration
Once a week for 3 successive weeks
Deadline
Within 30 days after letters issued
Est. Cost
Varies by newspaper and county - typically $150-$400

Notice of Petition/Administration

Must be sent within 15 days to:

  • All heirs named in will
  • All intestate heirs (if no will)
  • Spouse or domestic partner

Hearing Scheduling

Typical wait: 4-8 weeks

Hearing Types

Probate Hearing (Petition for Probate)
Duration: 15-30 minutes · Attends: Petitioner, Attorney if any, Objecting parties if any
Final Distribution Hearing
Duration: 15-30 minutes · Attends: Personal Representative, Beneficiaries (optional), Attorney if any

Related Proceedings

Property Recording

Source ↗

Recording Fees

First Page
$25.00
Additional Pages
$3.00
Records Search Property Search

San Mateo County Tax Collector

Official: Sandie Arnott

555 County Center, Floor 1, Redwood City, CA 94063

Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

866-220-0308

[email protected]

Tax Collector Property Tax Info Tax Search Lien Status

The county Tax Collector site links to a no-login View/Pay Property Taxes portal, and the Assessor property tax look-up page says secured property taxes can be searched by address or parcel number and paid online. The payment portal requires browser cookies; verify payoff, delinquency, lien, tax-defaulted status, and payment processing directly with the Tax Collector.

Guardianship

Sometimes parents cannot take care of their child. When that's the case, the court can be asked to appoint another adult to take care of the child.

Filing Fees

Person Only
$435
Property/Estate
$435
guardianship of person

Guardian makes decisions about child's care, welfare, and education

guardianship of estate

Guardian manages child's property and finances

Sources (8)

San Mateo County Probate Statistics →

Compare filing fees, e-filing status, and deadline signals for this county in a faster lookup view.

California Probate Forms →

Move from local reference research into the state forms and petition workflow.

Information current as of January 8, 2026

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in California can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.