Contra Costa County Probate Records

When a person passes away without a will in Contra Costa County, the court oversees the division of their assets and the settlement of their debts. This process is known as probate. Types of cases heard in a probate court include decedent's estates, trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships. Probate records are documents produced and filed with the court as part of a probate process. These records may include a will, probate petition, estate's inventory, final accounting, and administration letters, or testamentary letters.

Probate records, alongside related Contra Costa county court records may be used by the court to verify the authenticity of a will and identify beneficiaries. The presence of probate records aids in resolving disputes among family members. They help individuals with their genealogical research by establishing family ties. Probate records also protect creditors when managing estate assets. The Clerk of Superior Court is the custodian of probate records.

Are Probate Records Public?

Yes. According to California Rules of Court rules 2.400(a) and 2.550(c), members of the public may inspect or copy a probate record created or maintained in Contra Costa County. However, records that are considered exempt or confidential by court order, federal/state law, or court rule may not be available to the general public. For instance, before probate documents are released to the public, sensitive information such as addresses, Social Security numbers, and specific financial data may be redacted. Under Section 10.3 of the California Trial Court Records Manual, some of these records include:

• Sealed probate records
• Mediation reports
• Reports regarding proposed conservatorship or guardianship
• Investigator’s review reports in conservatorships
• Guardianship status report.

What is Probate Court in Contra Costa County?

The Contra Costa Superior Court generally maintains jurisdiction over probate cases filed within the county. The Probate Division of the Superior Court oversees cases related to guardianship, trusts and wills, estate administration, and conservatorships. Probate cases in Contra Costa County are governed by the California Probate Code.

Below are the physical addresses of the Superior Courts in Contra Costa County:

Contra Costa County Superior Court - Martinez
Wakefield Taylor Courthouse
725 Court Street
Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 608-1000

Contra Costa County Superior Court - Pittsburg
Richard E. Arnason Justice Center
1000 Center Drive
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Phone: (925) 608-1000

Contra Costa County Superior Court - Richmond
George D. Carroll Courthouse
100 37th Street
Richmond, CA 94805
Phone: (925) 608-1000

Contra Costa County Superior Court - Walnut Creek Traffic Center
640 Ygnacio Valley Road
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: (925) 608-1000

Probate Court Case Lookup

Probate records are generally maintained by the Individuals seeking to obtain probate records from Contra Costa County Superior Court may do so through the following available options:

• Online: Visit the county's Superior Court's Public Portal online. To search for a probate record, input the record number or the full name of the subject, and click on search.
• Mail: Requests for probate records may be sent via mail by filling out the Mail Request Form, and sending it to:

Contra Costa County Superior Court
725 Court Street
P.O. Box 911
Martinez, CA 94553

Requesters are required to send their request along with a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing.

• In-person: Individuals who are unable to obtain a probate record online may appear in person at the Superior Court 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding court holidays). Requesters are required to present a valid ID to view any file

How to Find Probate Records Online Free

Interested persons may obtain probate records online at no cost through the use of the Contra Costa Superior Court's public online portal. Searches can be conducted by typing in the last, middle, and first name of the subject, or the record number. However, per California Rule of Court 2.506, fees may be levied by the court to cover the expenses of making its electronic records available to the public. Per Government Code Sections 70626 through 70628, record seekers may be required to pay for certified copies or extensive documentation of probate records.

Alternatively, third-party websites may be used by interested parties looking for court records. These websites usually compile court records from multiple repositories and make them available to record seekers. This allows users to search for and download probate records from any location as long as they have access to the internet. To conduct a basic search, users may typically input the first and last name of the subject.

How Long Does Probate Take in California

A formal probate case follows this process: opening the case, administering the estate, and closing the estate. Under the guidelines set by the Judicial Branch of California, the entire procedure for the completion of a probate case usually takes nine to 18 months, but it can occasionally take longer. The duration of a probate case may be impacted by the following factors:

• The availability of the court
• The identification of those who are eligible to receive the estate's final distribution
• The size of the estate
• Third-party will contest.

Are Wills Public Record?

Yes. A will becomes public knowledge in Contra Costa County after it passes probate. The will must be kept up to date by the probate court for public access. Regardless of whether they are an heir or beneficiary, anyone can come to the probate court to see the will. Interested persons may obtain a copy for a fee. This does not imply that all of the document—including private information—is easily accessible for review. To preserve the privacy of those concerned, some information, such as the precise values of assets, may be withheld.

How to Find Out If Someone Has a Will

In the state of California, people have the option to keep their will protected by filing it with the probate court while they are still alive. Wills are kept secure until the person passes away, at which time authorized parties may access them by contacting the probate division and providing the necessary information. In this case, one may submit a request to the court clerk for a copy of the will or check the online court database. If a will is not found after contacting the court, contact the attorney of the decedent or the estate administrator.

Contra Costa County Family Court Case Search

Interested persons may search for family court cases by contacting the Superior Court of Contra Costa County. The Family and Children Division of the Superior Court handles family-related court cases within the county. To search, visit the Superior Court in person during working hours. Searches may also be conducted online, while requests may be made via mail. Requesters are required to provide the first and last name of the subject. A valid ID may also be required to complete the search.

Copies obtained in person or by mail from the Court Records Unit are subject to a 50¢ cost per page. The cost of certifications is $40 plus $0.50 per page. Divorce judgment certifications, including copies, cost $15.

Under the direction of the California Trial Court Records Manual, some family records may not be accessed by the general public due to the sensitive nature of these documents. Records such as juvenile court records, dismissed petitions, records of adoption proceedings, child custody evaluation reports, Uniform Parental Acts (UPA) documents, support enforcement and child abduction records, income tax returns in support cases, and others, are confidential and exempt from public view.