San Joaquin /probate

Source: https://www.sjcourts.org/probate

Probate

Probate

Probate e-filing notice

We are experiencing a significant backlog of Probate e-filing. If your case has a court date within the next 30 days, please submit your filing in person to avoid delays.

To the extent possible, please do not call or submit inquiries regarding pending e-filings. Instead, check your account for conformed copies or visit the court’s website.

Notice regarding probate hearing location

Beginning Monday, February 3, 2025, the Probate Department will move to Lodi, Department L2.

Physical and mailing address:

315 W. Elm Street

Lodi, CA 95240

The Zoom link for probate hearings will remain the same. Please ensure that all hearing notices reflect the correct location.

The Probate Division handles decedents’ estates, guardianships of minors, and conservatorships of adults who are unable to provide for their personal needs or manage their financial resources.

Probate Examiners review all documents for legal sufficiency before matters are heard by the Court, reducing judicial time required at hearings. The division also reviews attorney-prepared orders, sets calendars, and processes creditors’ claims.

Court Investigators interview individuals subject to conservatorship petitions to determine understanding and objections. Follow-up investigations occur periodically to ensure proper care.

Court Investigators or Child Protective Services also investigate guardianships of minors. The Court Investigator may be reached at (209) 992-5696.

Probate resources

How to use the eCourt system. (opens in a new window)

Filing fees

Newspapers for publication (PDF)

Local rules for probate

Probate forms

Remote appearance information

Ex parte procedures (PDF)

Types of probate cases

Probate of wills, trusts, and estates — Court-supervised distribution of assets and payment of debts after death.

Conservatorship — Appointment of a conservator when a person cannot manage personal or financial affairs.

Guardianship — Court appointment of custody or property control for a minor.

Probate

Proposed Orders

For Probate cases, in addition to submitting a PDF version of a proposed order with EFS-020 through e-filing, an editable word-processing version must be submitted to comply with CRC 3.1312(c). Email the editable version to probateorders@sjcourts.org.

E-Filing

Use the court’s e-filing system

Clerk’s Office

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.

Online Support

Contact Us

Search or View Cases

How to use the eCourt system. (opens in a new window)

Contact Information

Physical Address

315 W Elm Street

Lodi, CA 95240

Mailing Address

Superior Court of California – San Joaquin

Probate

315 W Elm Street

Lodi, CA 95240

Phone

(209) 992-5696

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.

Dropbox

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Documents placed in the dropbox after 4:00 PM or on a court holiday will be deemed filed the next court business day pursuant to CRC 2.210.

Dropbox Guidelines (English, PDF)

Dropbox Guidelines (Español, PDF)

Counter Filing Guidelines

Counter Filing Guidelines (English, PDF)

Counter Filing Guidelines (Español, PDF)

Probate Inquiries

Submit a Probate Inquiry