The DE-111 Petition for Probate is the form that opens a California probate case. It's the single most important document you'll file, and getting it right the first time saves weeks of delay.
This guide walks through every section of the DE-111, explains common errors that cause rejections, and gives you practical tips for clean filings.
What is the DE-111 Form?
The DE-111 "Petition for Probate" is a California Judicial Council form used to:
- Open a probate proceeding
- Request appointment of a personal representative (executor/administrator)
- Admit a will to probate (if one exists)
- Request authority to administer the estate
The form is the same statewide, but local rules vary by county. Always check your county's probate notes.
Before You Start: Documents You Need
Gather These First:
- ☐ Certified death certificate
- ☐ Original will (if any)
- ☐ List of all known heirs with addresses
- ☐ List of assets (real property, accounts, vehicles)
- ☐ Estimated estate value
- ☐ Proposed personal representative's information
Line-by-Line Walkthrough
Item 1: Decedent Information
Enter the decedent's legal name exactly as it appears on the death certificate.
Common mistake: Using nicknames or variations. If the death certificate says "Robert," don't write "Bob."
Item 2: Type of Proceeding
Check the appropriate boxes:
- 2a: Probate of will and letters testamentary (if there's a will)
- 2b: Probate of will and letters of administration with will annexed
- 2c: Letters of administration (no will)
- 2d: Special administration
Common mistake: Checking 2a when the nominated executor isn't available. Use 2b instead.
Item 3: Authority Requested
Almost always check:
- ☑ Full authority under IAEA (Independent Administration of Estates Act)
IAEA authority lets you act without court approval for routine matters. Only skip this if the will specifically prohibits it or heirs object.
Item 4: Decedent's Domicile and Death
- 4a: Date of death (from death certificate)
- 4b: County of domicile at death (determines venue)
- 4c: Street address of residence
Items 5-8: Estate Value and Character
- Item 5: Estimated value of real property in California
- Item 6: Estimated value of personal property
- Item 7: Will information (date, codicils, self-proving status)
- Item 8: Proposed personal representative information
Tip: Use gross values, not net. A $500K house with a $400K mortgage = $500K for this form.
Top 5 Mistakes That Cause Rejections
Wrong venue
Filing in the wrong county. Must file where decedent was domiciled at death.
Missing or uncertified death certificate
Must be a certified copy, not a photocopy.
Incomplete heir information
Must list all heirs with addresses. "Address unknown" requires additional declaration.
Original will not filed
The original will must be lodged with the court. Copies aren't sufficient.
Wrong filing fee
Check current fee schedule. As of 2026, initial filing is typically $435.
What Happens After You File
Court sets hearing date
Usually 30-45 days from filing
You publish notice
Publish in adjudicated newspaper for 3 consecutive weeks
You send notices to heirs
At least 15 days before hearing
Attend hearing
Court issues Letters Testamentary/Administration
Skip the Manual Form-Filling
ProbateYoda auto-fills DE-111 and all California Judicial Council probate forms based on your intake answers.
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