Sacramento County Probate Records

Sacramento County probate records are official documents containing details about the estate settlement of deceased persons. Probate records usually include wills, estate inventories, petitions, court decrees, and final judgments, which protect the assets, pay the debts, and transfer the inheritance to their rightful owners. Probate is a formal legal procedure for transferring assets and settling any conflicts arising.

Individuals can search probate records for various reasons, such as verifying inheritance, estate litigation settlement, or genealogy research. Along with related Sacramento County court records, beneficiaries may also use the records to verify their legal rights to an estate. In contrast, creditors and legal professionals use them to resolve claims. Researchers also use probate records to research family histories and find information about ancestors.

Are Probate Records Public?

Yes. Probate filings in Sacramento County are public under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.400, and court files, including probate filings, are public records unless sealed by order of court or statute.

Some privacy laws and regulations will limit access to some of the information in probate cases. Social Security numbers, account numbers, and minor or private arrangement information are some of the personal data that can be deleted or redacted under California Government Code § 7922.000 for privacy. Probate records are also limited in their disclosure to courts when a requirement exists to protect personal or financial interests.

What is Probate Court in Sacramento County?

The Sacramento County Probate Court is a division of the Sacramento County Superior Court that deals with the legal process of managing the estate of a deceased person. It is tasked with the process of authenticating wills, the appointment of executors or administrators, the distribution of assets, and the settlement of estate, conservatorship, and guardianship disputes. The court makes sure the estate is distributed according to the law of California, including paying the debts and the rightful heirs receiving their inheritance.

The Sacramento County Probate Court is located at:

William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse
3341 Power Inn Road
Sacramento, CA 95826

Probate Court Case Lookup

The Sacramento County probate file is compiled by the office of the court clerk and can be accessed online or in person.

For web applications, the Sacramento County Superior Court Public Case Access System allows one to search for probate cases by case number, party name, or date filed. In-person requests are processed at the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse. There are public kiosks in Room 214 where case information is available. If record copies are needed, requests can be submitted by mail or a drop box at the entrance to the courthouse. Individuals should note that older records or those containing sensitive information may be subject to formal records requests or have restricted availability for privacy.

How to Find Probate Records Online Free

Those looking for Sacramento County probate court records online for free can utilize the Sacramento Superior Court Public Portal. By this system, individuals can view data in probate cases filed after February 5, 2007. To search the records, however, an account must be created on the system. While basic case data are free, complete documentation or certified copies may cost a fee or require a personal appearance.

How Long Does Probate Take in California?

Probate in California typically takes 9 to 18 months. It involves the authentication of the will, settling debts, and distribution of assets to heirs. Easy cases with a clear will and no contest can be resolved quickly, whereas difficult estates take longer. Pursuant to California Probate Code § 12200, the personal representative is to petition for final distribution within one year from date of appointment, or 18 months in case of filing the federal estate tax return. There are several things which can potentially delay the duration of probate. Disagreements between beneficiaries, creditor claims, tax issues, and a clogged court docket are only a few of the ways the process is prolonged. Furthermore, if there are properties being sold or pending suits, it would take longer than expected.

Are Wills Public Record?

Yes. A will becomes public record after it is submitted to the Sacramento County Probate Court as part of a probate case. When an executor submits a will to initiate a probate, it is usually entered into the court records, which are open to the public. In some cases, documents or parts can be sealed, however, to maintain confidential information.

Individuals should keep in mind that having a will made available to the probate court for safekeeping does not make the will a public document. In California, individuals may deposit a will with the court for safekeeping before the death of the testator, but it does not make it publicly accessible. The will only becomes public after it is filed for probate after the death of the testator.

How to Find Out If Someone Has a Will

The most effective way of determining if a deceased person has filed a will is with the Sacramento County Probate Court. In case the estate is probated, then the court records would reflect whether there is a will. This procedure is important for will execution, as it helps to ensure that the wishes of the deceased are legally valid and executed. A second option is to contact the attorney who prepared the will since that attorney may have retained a copy or know its location.

For a living person, it is more complex to verify the existence of a will because it is not a public document. The only means of confirming it is to ask the individual directly or, with their consent, their lawyer. Unlike wills submitted for probate, those stored for safekeeping are not public until the death of the testator and the opening of probate.

Sacramento County Family Court Case Search

Individuals who want to search family court cases in Sacramento County can use the Sacramento Superior Court's Public Case Access System. The system offers an online portal through which users can search family law cases by case number, party name, or filing date.Presumably, the court has eliminated all fees for searching online and downloading documents, enhancing public access.

For others who require or prefer hard copies, records can be retrieved at the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse. There are also public kiosks available where one can search for cases, and court clerks can help with getting copies. It is important to note that some records are offsite and thus take longer to obtain. Whereas most of the records of family law are public, a few of them are statutorily confidential or sealed by court. Eligible individuals are expected to provide acceptable state-issued or federally issued photo identification in order to access confidential records.