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California Probate Forms Checklist: All Forms in Order (2026)

California probate requires specific Judicial Council forms filed in a particular sequence. This checklist covers every major form you'll need for a standard probate administration, organized by when they're typically filed.

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Phase 1: Opening the Estate

FormNameWhen Used
DE-111Petition for ProbateOpens the probate case, requests appointment
DE-120Notice of Petition to Administer EstateMailed to heirs/beneficiaries before hearing
DE-121Proof of Subscribing WitnessRequired if will is not self-proving
DE-125Proof of Service by MailProves notice was mailed to interested parties
DE-140Order for ProbateSigned by court at initial hearing
DE-147Duties and Liabilities of Personal RepresentativeAcknowledgment signed by executor/administrator
DE-150LettersOfficial authority document (Letters Testamentary or Administration)

Phase 2: Inventory and Appraisal

FormNameWhen Used
DE-160Inventory and AppraisalLists all estate assets with values (due within 4 months)
DE-161Inventory and Appraisal AttachmentAdditional pages for listing assets
DE-165Notice of Proposed ActionRequired for certain actions under IAEA

Phase 3: Creditor Claims

FormNameWhen Used
DE-172Notice of Administration to CreditorsMailed to known creditors
DE-174Creditor's ClaimFiled by creditors against the estate
DE-175Notice of Rejection of Creditor's ClaimWhen personal representative disputes a claim

Phase 4: Closing the Estate

FormNameWhen Used
DE-142Petition for Final DistributionRequests approval to distribute assets and close estate
DE-250AccountSummary of all estate transactions
DE-295Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming SaleIf real property was sold
DE-350Waiver of AccountWhen all beneficiaries waive formal accounting

Small Estate Forms (No Probate Required)

FormNameWhen Used
DE-310Affidavit for Collection of Personal PropertyEstates under $184,500 (personal property)
DE-305Affidavit Re Real Property of Small ValueReal property under $184,500

Spousal/Domestic Partner Forms

FormNameWhen Used
DE-221Spousal or Domestic Partner Property PetitionConfirm community property to surviving spouse
DE-226Spousal or Domestic Partner Property OrderCourt order confirming spousal property

Filing Tips

  • Always use current forms — Judicial Council updates forms periodically
  • Check local rules — Counties may require additional local forms
  • File originals — Keep copies for your records
  • Attach death certificate — Certified copy required with initial petition

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