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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 Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz County Probate Court Guide

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz probate court information · Updated January 2026

(831) 420-2200County Clerk
Family Guide
Professional Reference
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz|
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 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
Filing Methods: in person, e file, mail

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

Newspaper
Santa Cruz Sentinel or other adjudicated newspaper in Santa Cruz County
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

Related Proceedings

Property Recording

Source ↗

Recording Fees

First Page
$25.00
Additional Pages
$3.00
Records Search

Santa Cruz County Tax Collector

Official: Laura Bowers

701 Ocean Street, Room 150, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Santa Cruz office Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Watsonville office Monday and Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

(831) 454-2510

[email protected]

Tax Collector Property Tax Info Tax Search Payment Instructions

The county Tax Collector page links to the Review/Pay Tax Bills portal for secured and unsecured property tax bills. The portal searches by parcel/account number, offers electronic check, debit card, and credit card payment options, and states Santa Cruz County does not guarantee the correctness, completeness, or utility of data provided through the service. Verify payoff, delinquency, lien, tax-defaulted status, and payment processing directly with the Tax Collector.

Guardianship

Guardianships are protective proceedings where the court gives a responsible person the custody of a minor or power to manage the minor's property, or both.

Filing Fees

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

Guardian gets custody of child

guardianship of estate

Guardian manages child's property

Sources (8)

Santa Cruz 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.