How to File Probate in Contra Costa County

In this Guide:

An Introduction to Contra Costa County Probate

Filing probate in Contra Costa County follows specific court procedures and local rules. Understanding where to locate the probate court, how to access probate examiner notes for Contra Costa County probates, and what timelines to expect helps you avoid delays and costly mistakes.

This guide reviews the probate timeline in Contra Costa County and explains how probate works, step by step, for self-represented families.

Probate in Contra Costa, California, is handled by one central courthouse. While California probate law applies statewide, local filing rules, examiner practices, and scheduling expectations vary from court to court. In this regard, knowing the Contra Costa probate court process helps you prepare the correct documents the first time. It also helps you respond properly to probate examiner notes in Contra Costa County.

For statewide guidance, see our California Probate by County hub.

Probate Court in Contra Costa County

The Contra Costa County probate court oversees estates, wills, trust matters, guardianships, and conservatorships. A probate examiner reviews all probate cases before hearings.

Examiner notes are common when forms are incomplete or notices are missing. Preparing documents carefully reduces delays.

Contra Costa Probate Court – Quick Facts

Address: 725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553

Clerk Window Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Probate Clerk Phone: (925) 608-1000, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Probate Court Website: General probate information

Where to File Probate in Contra Costa County

You file all probate cases at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse in Martinez. This includes petitions for probate, wills, and related filings. There is only one probate filing location. The court does not accept probate filings at other county courthouses.

You may file in person or use approved electronic filing providers if eligible.

Contra Costa Probate Filing – Key Facts

Filing Method: E-filing accepted, in-person filing available

Approved E-Filing Providers
• Odyssey CA
• Other approved providers

Helpful Court Links
Probate eFiling Instructions: Click to view

Probate Fee Schedule: See fee schedule

How to Look Up a Probate Case in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County provides public online access for probate case information. You can search by party name or case number.

Online access helps you:

• Confirm hearing dates
• Review case status
• Monitor filings and court activity

Some probate documents may still require in-person record requests.

Case Search Portal: Access the public portal

Local Probate Rules in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County follows California Probate Code with local procedural requirements. The court expects strict compliance with:

• Proper notice to heirs and beneficiaries
• Correct form versions
• Timely filing before hearing dates

Local practice emphasizes early correction of probate examiner notes in Contra Costa County.

Contra Costa County Local Probate Rules: View current local rules (effective July 1, 2026).

Probate Notice Publication in Contra Costa County

Most probate cases require publication of notice in an adjudicated newspaper. The newspaper must be approved for Contra Costa County.

You must:

• Publish notice for the required number of weeks
• File Proof of Publication with the court
• Complete publication before the hearing

Failure to publish correctly delays probate hearings. Click here to view a list of adjudicated newspapers for legal publications in Contra Costa County.

Contra Costa County Probate Examiner Notes

Probate examiners review all probate petitions and proposed orders before the judge acts on them. Probate examiner notes in Contra Costa County identify missing documents, errors, or notice problems. The role of the probate examiner is to check each filing for legal and procedural compliance. If the examiner finds issues, they publish probate calendar notes that list required corrections.

In Contra Costa County, the probate calendar notes usually appear on the Court’s Public Portal six to eight court days before the hearing. You must clear them before the hearing or risk a continuance.

Responding correctly to probate examiner notes in Contra Costa County is one of the most common challenges for self-represented filers. If the probate examiner issues notes in your case, you must correct them before the hearing date. For a step-by-step explanation of probate examiner notes and how to clear them, see our guide on Probate Notes and Supplements in California.

Contra Costa Probate Examiner Notes – Quick Facts

Examiner Notes Page: Access public portal

Timing: Notes are typically available 6-8 days before the scheduled hearing.

Important Reminder: Supplemental pleadings must be filed by five days prior to the scheduled hearing date in order to be considered.

Contra Costa County Probate Tentative Rulings

Contra Costa County probate tentative rulings are generally available three to five court days before the hearing. Review the tentative ruling before your hearing along with any probate examiner notes so you know whether the court expects additional action.

Probate Tentative Rulings: View tentative rulings

Probate Referees in Contra Costa County

If the estate includes non-cash assets, the court assigns a probate referee. The referee prepares the Inventory and Appraisal.

You may not choose your own referee. The assignment follows state guidelines for Contra Costa County probate cases. The following is a list of current probate referees for Contra Costa County. It is always recommended to check for updates on the State Controller’s website.

• Kaster, Lee L., 1806 Bonanza Street, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, Phone (925) 280-6701, Fax (925) 280-6078, Email lkaster@kasterlaw.com
• Tarlson, Nick G., 3527 Mt. Diablo Blvd #235, Lafayette, CA 94549, Phone (415) 956-5700, Fax (415) 982-2528, Email nick@tarlson.com
• Taylor, Theresa D., P.O. Box 70730, Point Richmond, CA 94807, Phone (510) 215-7083, Fax (510) 215-7070, Email ttcarroll1@sbcglobal.net
• Tosh, Danny J., P.O. Box 1287, Brentwood, CA 94513, Phone (925) 634-7514, Cell (925) 437-3530, Email reports.tosh1@outlook.com

Probate Timeline in Contra Costa County

The probate timeline in Contra Costa County depends on court review, publication timing, and asset complexity.

A typical probate timeline includes:

• Filing the petition and lodging the will
• Publishing notice and serving heirs
• Clearing probate examiner notes
• Attending the court hearing
• Completing inventory and appraisal
• Paying debts and distributing assets

Most estates take several months to over a year. The probate timeline in Contra Costa County often extends when documents require correction.

How Probate & More Helps Families with Contra Costa County Probate

Probate & More provides affordable, non-attorney probate document preparation for Contra Costa County families.

We help with:

• Preparing accurate probate filings
• Filing in the Contra Costa County probate court
• Responding to probate examiner notes
• Coordinating publication and referees
• Understanding the probate timeline in Contra Costa County

Our team brings 50+ years of combined experience and flat-fee pricing. We support self-represented clients statewide. Call 916-243-0311 to get started.

FAQs – Contra Costa County Probate

Q. Where do I file probate in Contra Costa County?
A. You file probate at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse in Martinez. This is the only probate filing location.

Q. Does Contra Costa County allow e-filing for probate?
A. Yes. The court accepts e-filing, and self-represented filers may also file in person.

Q. What are probate examiner notes in Contra Costa County?
A. Examiner notes list issues the court requires you to fix before the hearing, such as missing notices or incorrect forms.

Q. How long is the probate timeline in Contra Costa County?
A. The probate timeline varies, but most cases take many months and may exceed one year if issues arise.

Start Your Probate Filing in Contra Costa County

Filing a Contra Costa County probate requires careful attention to local court procedures, filing rules, and examiner review practices. Knowing where to file probate in Contra Costa County, how to address probate examiner notes, and what to expect in the probate timeline helps prevent delays. With the right preparation and support of Probate & More, self-represented families can move through the Contra Costa County probate court process with confidence and clarity.

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