PROBATE DIVISION

Welcome to the Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne, Probate Division Web pages.                       

Hours of Operation

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.*

Monday – Friday (except holidays)

*The Clerk’s Office is open from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. for emergency filings only.

Location

Probate cases are handled through the Civil Division Clerk’s Office, which is located on the 

2nd floor of the Historic Courthouse, 41 West Yaney Avenue, Sonora, CA.   

Mailing address:  41 West Yaney Avenue, Sonora, CA,  95370.

Phone:  (209) 533-5555

Probate

The Probate Division of the Superior Court handles cases involving a decedent's estate; trust issues; conservatorships; guardianships; spousal property succession of real property; minor's approval by the Court of the terms of an agreement to settle a claim by a child, usually involving an injury (Minors’ Compromise); as well as other matters that may arise under the Probate Code.  In appropriate cases, the Court will appoint personal representatives, oversee the distribution of the decedents' estates, oversee trust administration, appoint guardians and conservators, and review accountings of the guardians.  To speak with a clerk regarding Probate cases, please call 209-533-5555.  Filing fees are listed in the fee schedule.  For assistance with filling out you forms on line, click on the EZLegalFile link below. 

 http://www.ezlegalfile.org

Probate Notes

Probate Notes are prepared by the Research Attorney after review of your petition.  It is a goal to have notes posted seven calendar days prior to the hearing.  The notes will indicate:

1. That a petition has been recommended to the Probate Judge for approval;
2. That judicial determination of the issue is necessary; and
3. That there are missing documents that must be filed, or there may be other procedural defects noted.

If defects are noted, they must be remedied before the petition will be approved.  Notes will be updated as needed when late-filed documents are reviewed. 

Click here to view current Probate Notes postings

Guardianship

Guardianship cases are filed in the clerk’s office, and usually involve the appointment of a person to oversee the finances and/or care of a child whose parents are unable to care for the child.  To speak with a clerk regarding Guardianship cases, please call 209-533-5555.  Filing fees are listed in the fee schedule.  Guardianship forms are available online for your convenience, or you can purchase a packet in the clerk’s office.  Mediation services are available to parties involved in guardianship cases filed with this Court.  The mediators can assist parties with visitation schedules.   Mediation services are non-recommending, which means the mediator does not testify in court or write any recommendation to the Court.  To speak to a clerk regarding mediation, please call 209-533-5555.  You can fill out printable forms by clicking below.

http://www.ezlegalfile.org

Additional resources:

www.courtinfo.ca.gov

Guardianship Intake Form

Conservatorship

Conservatorship cases are filed in the clerk’s office, and usually involve the appointment of a person to oversee the finances and/or care of an older adult or a developmentally disabled adult who cannot care for his or her self.  To speak with a clerk regarding Conservatorship cases, please call 209-533-5555.  Filing fees are listed in the fee schedule.  Conservatorship forms are available online for your convenience, or you can purchase a packet in the clerk’s office.  You can fill out printable forms by clicking below.

http://www.ezlegalfile.org

Additional resources:

www.courtinfo.ca.gov

Other Self-Help Resources

http://www.ezlegalfile.org

www.courtinfo.ca.gov

http://lawhelpcalifornia.org/CA/index.cfm

Note:  Nothing in this Web site is intended as either legal advice or as a ruling of the court.  This information is provided as a general guide only.  You are encouraged to get the assistance of a lawyer if legal advice is needed.