Los Angeles County Probate Court Records

The Los Angeles County Superior Courts (Central and North Districts) hear all probate cases within the county. Probate case records generally involve all filed documents and case records concerning the administration of a deceased’s will, estate, and assets. A typical probate case record may include these components:

• Initiating documents: An executor or administrator presents these documents to the court to begin a probate case proceeding. Examples of initiating documents include the Petition for Probate (Form DE-111), the original last will, notice to creditors, and certified death certificates.
• Wills: These are legal documents that outline the division of a deceased person’s assets. These documents may also contain the names of will executors and guardians for minor children.
• Estate inventories: This is a detailed list of all the deceased’s assets and debts as of the time of death.
• Court orders: Court orders are the judge’s final decisions regarding a probate case issue. Such records are often included in probate case files.
• Creditor claims: These are formal demands to receive payment for debts owed by the deceased. Creditors may file these claims during a case proceeding.
• Guardianship orders: These are court orders for appointing a guardian to manage the personal or financial affairs of minors or persons who are physically or mentally unfit to take care of themselves.
• Final accountancy: This is a complete financial report about a deceased’s assets and debts. Executors are responsible for creating and filing these documents with the court.

Public Access to Probate Court Records in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles probate court records are generally accessible to the public, except for information that is exempt under state or federal laws. The California Public Records Act governs public access to probate court documents. Under the law, public members can request to view and obtain copies of the records from designated record custodians. In Los Angeles County, the superior court oversees the recording and disclosure of court records to interested parties.

However, the superior court may refuse access to specific probate court documents. Exempted court documents often include information that may violate the privacy or safety of concerned parties. Examples of non-public probate court records in Los Angeles County are:

• Court-sealed documents.
• Confidential financial information
• Adoption files
• Specific settlements for minors or incapacitated parties.
• Protected personal information like social security numbers and addresses.

Methods for Searching Los Angeles County Probate Court Records

Interested parties may search Los Angeles County probate court records via online search repositories and offline options like mail and in-person requests. Persons using the online search database must provide relevant search information, like the case number and court name. An online search typically reveals basic court files, including images and case summaries.

On the other hand, offline requests provide access to physical copies of court documents. This search option typically requires you to make a request to the superior court. The request must include all relevant information about the court record.

How to Find Los Angeles County Probate Cases Online for Free

In Los Angeles County, probate court records are accessible for free via online search repositories. Inquirers may use these steps to access the records:

1. Visit the Probate Case Access platform.
2. Input the case number.
3. Next, select the court name in the dropdown menu.
4. Click on the “Search” button to view related court documents.

An alternative option is to use the Los Angeles case search portal to view court document images.

Accessing Los Angeles County Probate Court Records in Person

Inquirers are typically required to book an online appointment to access Los Angeles County probate court records in person. For online booking, you may follow these simple steps:

1. Select the name of the court that handled the case
2. Choose the case type in the right sidebar.
3. Click on the preferred appointment date and time.
4. Provide your name, contact information, and the case/citation number.
5. Click the “Next” button and schedule your appointment.

You may visit the courthouse on the appointment date at these addresses:

Requesting Los Angeles County Probate Court Records by Mail

The Los Angeles County Superior Court allows mail-in requests for probate court records. Interested parties may obtain the records via these general steps:

1. Fill out the court record request form.
2. Attach the required copy fees.
3. Send the form and fees in a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Los Angeles County Probate Court Record Access Methods

Applicable Fees for Los Angeles County Probate Court Record Requests

In Los Angeles, record seekers are generally required to pay specific fees before accessing probate records. The fees may differ based on the document type and other factors. The applicable fees for accessing Los Angeles County probate records are outlined below:

Understanding the Parties Involved in Probate Cases

In Los Angeles County, probate court records may name different parties, with each playing a specific role in the document. A probate case record typically includes these parties:

• The decedent: The deceased person whose estate is being administered or divided in a probate case. Probate documents will refer to them as “decedents” or use their full names.
• Heirs: This term describes persons who are legally entitled to inherit a property in the absence of a will. In most cases, heirs are usually persons who shared close family ties with the decedent.
• Beneficiaries: These are parties specifically named in a will to receive property or benefits. A beneficiary is not necessarily an heir, so they could be close relatives, friends, or associates.
• Executors: These are parties appointed to carry out the terms of a will. The court might also appoint an executor in the absence of a will or testament.
• Attorneys: The duty of an attorney is to represent and provide legal guidance to parties involved in a probate case.
• Creditors: These are persons or entities who were owed by the decedent. They are generally required to file creditor claims to recoup debts during probate cases.

Interested parties may identify these parties for reasons such as tracing family history and connections. In addition, it helps them to better understand the documents and filings used in a probate case.

Legal Purpose and Importance of Probate Court Records in the County

Probate court records in Los Angeles County are important in various legal processes, such as the following:

• Probate court records document the court’s decision over the distribution of assets. They also serve as evidence that the court followed standard procedures during such cases.
• They protect heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors: A probate court record keeps records of the transfer of assets from decedents to beneficiaries. This helps to prevent challenges that may later arise as a result of the property distribution.
• They are important for genealogy research: Probate records usually include family connections, which are important for tracing ancestry or locating lost relations. Heirlooms and other possessions may also help in genealogy research.
• They help to resolve property disputes: Older probate records may include details about property boundaries and deeds. Therefore, researchers may refer to these records when transferring assets to beneficiaries.

Differences Between Wills, Estates, and Other Probate Filings

In Los Angeles County, probate court records may contain varying files and documents. Examples of documents you will typically find in a probate court record include the following:

• Wills (last testaments): Wills are legal documents that contain the deceased’s final instructions regarding the distribution and administration of estates and assets. A will is usually part of the documents filed at the beginning of a probate court case.
• Estate inventories and accountings: Estate inventories are official lists regarding a deceased’s assets and liabilities. These documents might also include the estimated values of the properties.
• Guardianship or conservatorship records: These documents reveal the guardians appointed to manage the financial or personal affairs of minors and mentally or physically incapacitated persons.
• Petitions and motions filed during probate: A petition is a document filed with the court to start a probate case proceeding.