Letters testamentary · California
Letters testamentary in California
How to be appointed executor in California, what the Superior Court needs, and what letters cost.
In California, letters testamentary are issued by the Superior Court after a petition is filed with the original will, a certified death certificate, and a filing fee of about $435. Most petitions clear in 2 to 8 weeks. Banks, brokerages, the IRS, and the DMV all require an original certified copy.
Quick facts
| Court | Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Statute | Prob. Code § 13100 |
| Typical filing fee | $435 |
| Typical timeline | 2 to 8 weeks |
Fees and timelines vary by county. Confirm with the Superior Court before filing.
Step by step
Locate the original will
California requires the original will to issue letters. Search the home safe, attorney files, and the county clerk in case the will was deposited during the testator's lifetime.
File at the Superior Court
Submit the will, a certified death certificate, and a petition for probate at the Superior Court in the county where your relative lived.
Pay the filing fee
California filing fees run about $435, varying by county and estate size. Fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners in most counties.
Attend the appointment hearing
Most appointments are uncontested and handled in a short hearing or by paper review. The court confirms the will and your authority as executor.
Order certified letters
Once issued, order five to ten certified copies. Each bank, brokerage, and the IRS will ask for an original copy.
Open the estate bank account
Take a certified copy and the estate's EIN to the bank to open an account in the estate's name. Use that account for all estate income and expenses.
Common questions
Where do I file in California?
File at the Superior Court in the county where the deceased lived at death, under Prob. Code § 13100.
How long does it take?
California typically issues letters within 2 to 8 weeks of filing, depending on the court's calendar and whether the petition is contested.
What does it cost?
Filing fees in California run about $435. Additional costs include certified copies (about $5 to $25 each), publication of notice, and any bond the court orders.
Do I need a lawyer?
California allows you to petition without an attorney, especially for simple estates. Contested petitions, business interests, and multi-state property usually benefit from counsel.
What if there is no will?
The court issues letters of administration instead of letters testamentary, and appoints an administrator under California's intestate succession statute.