Probate Court
Probate court hears cases related to personal and financial affairs of adults and children.
Probate Court Overview
Probate court hears cases related to personal and financial affairs of adults and children, including:
- The appointment of personal representatives including guardianships for children and conservatorships for incapacitated adults
- The distribution and handling of estates of people who have died;
- Petitions regarding trust administration;
- Review and accounting of guardians and conservators;
- Disputes about wills, trusts, and powers of attorney; and
- Other matters that may arise under the Probate code.
Note:
Probate cases can be complicated. You may want to speak with an experienced probate lawyer. A lawyer can help you better understand the risks and responsibilities of your case.
Filing
Probate documents shall only be filed in the Clerk's Office at the Berkeley Courthouse. To be considered, all documents shall be filed no later than two court days prior to the hearing date.
Probate Court Services
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Learn About Probate
The Alameda Self-Help site and the California Self-Help Guide provide information about Probate cases.
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Examiner Notes
See current rulings on petitions to the court via eCourt Public Portal.
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Probate Rules & Forms
Find local Probate Rules and Forms.
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Probate Calendars
Visit eCourt Public Portal for access to Probate Calendars. Use the drop-down menu to navigate to the Berkeley Courthouse (or RCD courthouse for Dept. 1B) to review the current calendars.