Los Angeles County Probate: Complete Guide for Attorneys

Courthouse Information {#courthouse-info}

Los Angeles County operates the largest probate court in California — and one of the largest in the nation. Understanding LA County's specific procedures, forms, and examiner requirements is essential for attorneys practicing here.

Stanley Mosk Courthouse

Address: Stanley Mosk Courthouse 111 North Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Filing window closes: 4:30 PM (arrive by 4:00 PM to ensure processing)

Getting There

Parking:

• No courthouse parking available
• Multiple paid lots nearby on Hill Street and Spring Street
• Street parking very limited and expensive

Public Transit:

• Metro Red/Purple Line to Civic Center station
• Multiple bus lines serve downtown LA

Security:

• All visitors must pass through security screening
• Allow extra time for security lines
• No weapons, including pocket knives

Clerk's Office

The probate clerk's office handles:

• New case filings
• Document filings on existing cases
• Certified copies
• General inquiries

Pro tip: The clerks process thousands of filings. Come prepared with everything in order. Don't expect them to help you figure out your paperwork.

Probate Departments {#probate-departments}

LA County assigns probate cases to specific departments. Understanding the department structure helps you navigate the system.

Department Assignments

Probate cases are assigned based on case type and alphabetical distribution:

• Department 2A: General probate matters
• Department 5: General probate matters
• Department 9: General probate matters
• Department 11: General probate matters
• Department 29: General probate matters
• Department 67: Contested matters and trials

Different Judges, Different Preferences

Each department has its own judge with specific preferences. Some are stricter about formatting; others care more about substance. Research your assigned judge's tendencies.

Checking Your Department

Your department assignment appears on:

• Initial filing receipt
• Court notices
• Case summary on LA Superior Court website

Online case lookup: lacourt.org/casesummary

LA County Local Rules {#local-rules}

LA County has extensive local rules that supplement the California Rules of Court. These rules address formatting, content, and procedural requirements specific to this court.

Local Rules of Court

Where to find them: LA Superior Court website, Local Rules section

Key chapters:

• Chapter 4: Probate
• Appendix: Probate Policy Memoranda

Formatting Requirements

LA County is particular about formatting:

Paper requirements:

• Standard 8.5 x 11 white paper
• Printed on one side only (unless court orders otherwise)
• No raised printing or logos on pleading paper

Pleading format:

• 28 lines of text per page
• Line numbers in left margin
• 1-inch margins on all sides
• Double-spaced text (single-spacing only where allowed by Rules of Court)
• No more than 10 characters per inch (monospaced) or equivalent proportional spacing

Footer requirements:

• Page numbers centered at bottom
• Document title in footer (some departments require)

Caption Requirements

LA County captions must include:

• Court name (Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles)
• Department number
• Case number
• Document title
• Hearing date, time, and department (for documents with hearings)

Proof of Service

Every document filed must have a proof of service. LA County requires:

• Proof of service as a separate document (not attached to the main filing)
• Complete list of all parties served
• Method of service specified
• Date of service

Probate Examiner Review {#examiner-review}

The probate examiner system is unique to LA County (and a few other large counties). Understanding this system is critical.

What is a Probate Examiner?

Probate examiners are court staff who review filings before hearings. They check for:

• Compliance with statutory requirements
• Proper forms and formatting
• Complete information
• Correct calculations
• Adequate notice

How the System Works

1. You file documents for your hearing
2. Examiner reviews the filing (usually 2-3 weeks before hearing)
3. Examiner issues notes listing any deficiencies
4. You correct issues before the hearing
5. Hearing proceeds if all notes addressed

Accessing Examiner Notes

Where to find notes:

• LA Superior Court online case access
• Typically posted 10-14 days before hearing
• Check regularly — notes can be posted at any time

What to look for:

• "Notes" or "Calendar Notes"
• Specific deficiencies listed
• Required corrections

Common Examiner Notes

Here's what examiners catch most often:

Notice issues:

• Notice not sent to all heirs
• Notice not sent timely
• Proof of service deficient
• Wrong notice period calculated

Form issues:

• Wrong form used
• Form incomplete
• Calculations incorrect
• Supporting documents missing

Procedural issues:

• Citation not issued (when required)
• Publication incomplete
• Wrong newspaper used
• Inventory late

Responding to Notes

You have two options:

Option 1: File supplemental documents

• File corrected documents before hearing
• File response addressing each note
• Indicate which documents are supplemental

Option 2: Address at hearing

• Prepare response to present to judge
• Bring corrected documents to hearing
• Risk continuance if judge isn't satisfied

Best practice: Always address notes before the hearing. Judges prefer not to deal with issues that could have been fixed.

Examiner Notes vs. Court Rejection

Examiner notes are different from clerk rejection:

• Notes: Filing accepted, but issues need to be addressed
• Rejection: Filing not accepted due to procedural defects (wrong fee, improper format, etc.)

Filing Procedures {#filing-procedures}

E-Filing

LA County uses the One Legal platform for e-filing probate documents.

E-filing requirements:

• Register on One Legal
• Upload documents as PDF
• Pay filing fees online
• Receive electronic confirmation

E-filing tips:

• Ensure PDFs are text-searchable
• Check file size limits
• Submit by 4:00 PM for same-day processing
• Keep confirmation emails

In-Person Filing

Still an option, but e-filing is preferred:

• Bring original documents plus copies
• Filing fees by check, money order, or credit card
• Receive file-stamped copies at the window

Filing Fees (2024)

| Document Type | Fee | |---------------|-----| | Petition for Probate | $465 | | Will only (no petition) | $65 | | Petition for Final Distribution | $0 (no fee) | | Motion | $60 | | Certified Copy | $25 first page + $3 each additional |

Pro tip: Fees change. Always verify current fees before filing.

Calendar Reservation

For hearings, you must reserve a calendar date:

• E-file your documents
• System will prompt for hearing date selection
• Choose available date at least 30-45 days out
• Receive confirmation with hearing date, time, and department

LA-Specific Forms {#la-specific-forms}

In addition to Judicial Council forms, LA County requires local forms for certain matters.

LA Superior Court Forms

Order for Probate (LA): LA has its own Order for Probate form in addition to DE-140. Check current requirements.

Affidavits: Some matters require LA-specific affidavit formats.

Local Cover Sheets

LA may require cover sheets for certain filing types:

• Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum (for some probate filings)
• Notice of Case Assignment

Where to Find LA Forms

• LA Superior Court website: lacourt.org
• Probate section
• Look for "Local Forms" or "Probate Forms"

Warning: Forms change. Always download current versions before filing.

Hearing Procedures {#hearing-procedures}

Calendar Call

LA probate hearings operate on calendar call:

• Multiple cases scheduled at same time
• Clerk calls cases
• Attorneys check in and wait to be called

Check-In Process

When you arrive:

1. Check in with clerk outside courtroom
2. Indicate you're present on the case
3. Wait for your case to be called
4. When called, approach counsel table

Tentative Rulings

Some LA departments post tentative rulings:

• Posted day before hearing (usually)
• Available online or on court website
• Indicates judge's likely ruling
• Can contest tentative and argue at hearing

Remote Appearances

LA County allows remote appearances for many probate matters:

• LACourtConnect for video appearances
• Phone appearances for some matters
• Check specific department policies
• Register in advance

What to Expect at Hearing

If no objection and notes addressed:

• Often very quick (5-10 minutes)
• Judge reviews file
• Asks any questions
• Signs order

If issues exist:

• Judge asks questions
• You respond
• May result in continuance or modified order

Common Mistakes in LA County {#common-mistakes}

Not Checking Examiner Notes

Attorneys who don't check for examiner notes are often surprised at hearings. Check notes at least 10 days before every hearing.

Wrong Newspaper for Publication

LA County has specific requirements for publication newspapers:

• Must be adjudicated for that area
• Must have general circulation in the relevant community
• Verify before publishing

Missing Local Forms

Using only Judicial Council forms when LA requires additional local forms is a common rejection reason.

Underestimating Timeline

LA County has high volume. Expect:

• 30-45 days from filing to first hearing
• Examiner notes 10-14 days before hearing
• Delays for any corrections needed

Not Appearing at Hearing

Some attorneys think uncontested matters don't require appearance. LA County often requires appearances even for routine matters. Check your department's policy.

Tips for Success in LA County {#tips-for-success}

Build a Checklist

Create a filing checklist specific to LA County:

• [ ] Correct forms (JC + local)
• [ ] Proper formatting
• [ ] Proof of service (separate document)
• [ ] Filing fee correct
• [ ] All attachments included

Learn Your Department

If you practice regularly in LA County, learn the preferences of judges in your assigned departments. Attend other hearings to observe.

Develop Relationships with Clerks

Be professional and courteous. Clerks who recognize you as competent and respectful are more likely to help when you have questions.

Check Online Frequently

Use LA Superior Court's online case management:

• Check for examiner notes
• Verify hearing dates
• Confirm filings were processed
• Review case history

Use Software Built for LA County

ProbateYoda includes LA County-specific features:

• Correct formatting for LA requirements
• Local forms integrated
• Examiner notes reminders
• Department-specific guidance

Keep Current on Changes

LA County updates procedures periodically:

• Subscribe to court announcements
• Join LA County Bar probate section
• Network with other probate attorneys
• Attend local CLE programs

LA County probate can feel overwhelming due to its size and complexity. But attorneys who learn the system find it manageable — and the volume of cases makes it a valuable practice area for those who invest in understanding the local procedures.