San Mateo /divisions/probate-division

San Mateo /divisions/probate-division¶

Source: https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probate-division

Probate Division

The Probate Court is responsible for handling decedent's estate, conservatorship, guardianship, trust, elder abuse cases and other miscellaneous proceedings.

Conservator Classes

This class is for persons who have already been appointed as a conservator. Registrants must be conservators and will not be admitted to the class without a case number, which you will be asked to provide at the time of registration.

Please click “How to Become a Conservator” for more information on the appointment process.

Conservator of Person

You are invited to a ZoomGov meeting.

When: December 3, 2026 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

https://sanmateocourt.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/77qtrUX4QyuYltTKvk8wzw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Conservator of Estate

You are invited to a ZoomGov meeting.

When: December 3, 2026 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

https://sanmateocourt.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/wTc2l7cyRK6lGQLu-L14Dg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Information

Education Class / Clase de Educacion de Tutelas de Adultos

NOTICE: Changes in the Practices of the Probate Court Effective December 12, 2022

For a number of years in San Mateo, temporary guardianships and temporary conservatorships have been primarily heard on the ex parte calendar.

However, given the recent clear intention of the legislation to ensure that conservatorships are not unnecessarily granted, the Court has been reevaluating this practice.

In order to be in line with the intention of the legislature and Probate Code 2250-2258, please take note of the following changes in the practices of the Probate Court.

Temporary Guardianships

Requests for temporary guardianships should be filed with the court and then served upon the relevant parties at least 5 days prior to the hearing on the temporary guardianship. Parties should request a hearing date which will allow appropriate service. Temporary guardianship granted at a noticed hearing will not need to be set for a 30 day review.

Temporary Conservatorships

Requests for temporary conservatorships should be filed with the court and then served upon the relevant parties at least 5 days prior to the hearing on the temporary conservatorship. Parties should request a hearing date which will allow appropriate service.

Ex Parte Guardianships and Conservatorships

The Court will be strictly interpreting ex parte criteria for temporary guardianship and conservatorships. Counsel is advised to ensure that all ex parte requirements are met prior to filing an ex parte request for a temporary guardianship or conservatorship. In compliance with the Probate Code and California Code of Civil Procedure, any request which the court feels may be appropriately heard at a 5-day noticed hearing will be denied if presented as an ex parte.

These changes will be effective December 12, 2022.

NOTICE: Probate Court Investigator's Office

The Probate Court Investigator's office can be contacted by emailing PCI@sanmateocourt.org.

For other Ex Parte matters, please use probate@sanmateocourt.org.

Looking for case information? START HERE!

You might be able to find or review info regarding a case online San Mateo County Superior Court Records Index

E-Filing:

More Information on E-Filing

Check out Self-Prep and File

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How Do I . . .

Get Copies of Probate Files or Records

Find out what documents are required for filing

Decedent's Estate Initial Petition

Find out what documents are required for

Filing a Conservatorship

Find out what documents are required for

Filing a Guardianship

Find out more about

Ex-Parte Hearings

Request an Interpreter

Ask for an Interpreter

NOTE: The Clerk's Office will continue to accept and process Emergency Ex Parte, Domestic Violence and all Temporary Restraining Order Petitions, and Civil Ex Partes.

Clerk's Office:

Hall of Justice

400 County Center,

Redwood City, CA 94063 [Directions]

Phone Number and Phone Hours:

(650) 261-5100

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Office Hours (except Court Holidays):

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

To Schedule an Appointment

Email: If you have questions specific to your case, you may click here to email the clerk's office.

Probate ADR Program

Many probate disputes can be resolved using appropriate dispute resolution or "ADR." Visit our Probate ADR Program for more information.

Quick Links

Probate Tentative Rulings

Zoom Hearing Credentials

Forms, Filings and Rules

Civil Fees

Local Forms

Local Rules

Court Locations

Court Judicial District and Geographical Areas

Children's Waiting Room

Read About Court Locations

Probate Department Judge

Probate Courtroom and Clerk’s Office Southern Branch: 400 County Center, Redwood City

Probate Supervising Judge

Lisa A. Novak

Department 13

Courtroom 2C

(650) 261-5113

Dept13@sanmateocourt.org

View Department 13 Info

Exceptions & meaning →