How To File Probate in Marin County
Last Updated: August 27, 2026
In This Guide:
Introduction to Filing Probate in Marin County
Marin County probate court | Probate examiner notes in Marin County | Where to file probate in Marin County | Probate timeline in Marin County
This guide covers everything you need to know to file probate in Marin County — including the Marin County probate court’s distinctive Thursday-only hearing schedule, where to file probate in Marin County, probate examiner notes in Marin County and the Friday publication cycle, the probate timeline in Marin County, e-filing requirements, local rules, newspaper publication, and the county’s sole probate referee.
Filing probate in Marin County begins at one of California’s most architecturally remarkable courthouses — the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael. However, understanding how to file probate in Marin County goes well beyond knowing where to go. The Marin County probate court has several distinctive features that set it apart from neighboring counties, and knowing those differences before you file can save you weeks of delay.
Marin County stretches from the Golden Gate at its southern tip north through Mill Valley, San Rafael, Novato, and the rolling hills of West Marin to Point Reyes Station. Its estates reflect that variety — high-value waterfront properties in Tiburon, Belvedere, and Sausalito; hillside homes in Ross, Kentfield, and Larkspur; agricultural land in Point Reyes and Nicasio; and residential real estate across San Rafael and Novato. Furthermore, Marin County’s median home values consistently rank among the highest in California, which means many estates here require formal probate.
Unlike most California counties where probate hearings run multiple days per week, the Marin County probate court holds hearings on Thursdays only. Additionally, probate examiner notes in Marin County are published as tentative rulings on Fridays after 2:00 PM — rather than the day before the hearing as in most other counties. As a result, understanding this Friday publication schedule is essential when planning your probate timeline in Marin County.
Probate & More is a California Registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA) business. This means we prepare legal documents for self-represented individuals — we do not provide legal advice. We serve all 58 California counties, including Marin County, and help families navigate the probate process at a flat fee, typically saving thousands compared to statutory attorney fees.
Marin County Probate Court Overview
The Marin County probate court operates through the Superior Court of California, County of Marin, Probate Division. The court is located at the Marin County Civic Center — the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building at 3501 Civic Center Drive in San Rafael. All filings and hearings at Marin County probate court take place at this single location, Room 113 in the Hall of Justice.
The Marin County probate court has jurisdiction over decedents’ estates, guardianships of minors, conservatorships (including limited conservatorships for developmentally disabled persons), trusts, supplemental needs trusts, and other protective proceedings.
Probate Hearings — Thursdays Only
One of the most important things to know before you file probate in Marin County is that the Marin County probate court holds hearings on Thursdays only at 9:00 AM in Courtroom C. This Thursday-only schedule distinguishes Marin County probate court from most other California counties. Therefore, every step in your probate timeline in Marin County — publication dates, filing deadlines, and supplement submissions — must be planned backward from a Thursday hearing date. Any continuance adds a minimum of one full week.
Joint Examiner and Judge Review — Unique to Marin County Probate Court
Probate examiner notes in Marin County are generated through a process unlike most other California counties. Both the Probate Examiner and the Probate Judge review every file together and discuss each case before tentative rulings are posted. Consequently, probate examiner notes in Marin County are published on Fridays after 2:00 PM on the court website. This gives filers from Friday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon to review notes and respond before the Thursday hearing.
⚡ Marin County Probate Court — Quick Facts
| Court | Superior Court of California, County of Marin |
| Street Address | 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903 |
| Hall of Justice | Room 113 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 4988, San Rafael, CA 94913 |
| Probate Hearing Day | Thursdays at 9:00 AM, Courtroom C |
| Probate Examiner Notes Posted | Fridays after 2:00 PM |
| Office Hours | Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00–4:00 PM |
| Phone Hours | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00–2:00 PM |
| Probate Clerk | (415) 444-7040 | (415) 444-7044 |
| Probate Email | probate@marin.courts.ca.gov |
| Court Records | (415) 444-7080 |
| Court Website | marin.courts.ca.gov |
Where to File Probate in Marin County
Where to file probate in Marin County is straightforward — all petitions are filed at Room 113, Hall of Justice, Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. No appointment is necessary. Bring your original documents plus at least two copies. The clerk keeps the original and returns your file-stamped copies. Additionally, if you are filing a new probate case, arrive before 3:30 PM. The clerk’s office is closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch.
Where to File Probate in Marin County — Online E-Filing
For attorneys, the answer to where to file probate in Marin County is through mandatory electronic filing. Electronic filing is required for all attorneys at Marin County probate court for civil, family, probate, and adoption cases. Self-represented filers are encouraged to use electronic filing but are not required to do so. One Legal is an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider. Self-represented filers may also submit documents by mail or use the court drop box.
What to Bring When Filing In Person
- Original petition and at least two copies of each document
- Original will and codicils (if applicable)
- Death certificate
- Completed Confidential Supplement (Judicial Council form DE-140/GC-040)
- Filing fee payment — cash, check, or credit card
⚡ Where to File Probate in Marin County — Key Facts
| Filing Location | Room 113, Hall of Justice, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael |
| In-Person Hours | Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00–4:00 PM (closed noon–1 PM) |
| New Case Deadline | Arrive before 3:30 PM |
| E-Filing | Mandatory for attorneys |
| Approved EFSP | One Legal |
| Self-Represented | May file in person, by mail, or drop box |
| Copies Required | Original + at least 2 copies |
| Probate Email | probate@marin.courts.ca.gov |
| Probate Clerk | (415) 444-7040 | (415) 444-7044 |
How to Look Up a Case at Marin County Probate Court
The Marin County probate court provides several online tools to check your case status and access information without visiting the courthouse.
ePortal — Case Search and Calendar
Access the Marin County probate court’s ePortal at marin.courts.ca.gov/online-services/ecourt-online-portal. Search for your probate case by party name, case number, or hearing date. Additionally, a public kiosk is available at Room 113 for in-person document viewing.
Important: Family Law and Probate cases are NOT searchable through the Civil portal. Use the ePortal specifically for all Marin County probate court case searches.
Probate Examiner Notes in Marin County — The Friday Schedule
Probate examiner notes in Marin County are published as tentative rulings on Fridays after 2:00 PM on the court website. This is fundamentally different from most other California counties, where notes are posted the day before the hearing. Because Marin County probate court hearings are held on Thursdays, the ruling posted on a Friday applies to the following Thursday’s hearing. Consequently, filers typically have approximately six days to review probate examiner notes in Marin County and prepare their response before the Wednesday 4:00 PM deadline.
Access probate examiner notes in Marin County at marin.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings. Check this page every Friday after 2:00 PM when your hearing is approaching.
Court Records Department
Phone: (415) 444-7080 | Email: courtrecords@marin.courts.ca.gov | Location: Room 113, Hall of Justice | Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00–4:00 PM. A $15 research fee applies when staff must perform research to locate records.
Marin County Probate Court — Local Rules
Marin County probate court rules are found in Chapter 6 — Probate Rules of the Uniform Local Rules of the Marin County Superior Court, effective January 1, 2026.
Download the Marin County Probate Court Local Rules →
Key Local Rule Requirements
- Electronic filing is mandatory for attorneys in all civil, family, probate, and adoption cases at Marin County probate court
- Self-represented filers may file in person, by mail, or via the drop box — electronic filing is encouraged but not required
- Proposed orders in probate cases must be lodged electronically in PDF format attached to Judicial Council Form EFS-020
- Hearings at Marin County probate court are held Thursdays at 9:00 AM in Courtroom C — all deadlines in your probate timeline in Marin County work backward from Thursday hearing dates
- Probate examiner notes in Marin County are posted as tentative rulings on Fridays after 2:00 PM — the court’s planned decision on your matter
Oral Argument Procedure — Wednesday 4:00 PM Deadline
If any party wishes to contest probate examiner notes in Marin County by appearing for oral argument on the tentative ruling, they must complete both of the following steps by 4:00 PM on the Wednesday before the Thursday hearing:
- Notify all other parties entitled to notice of the underlying petition, including attorneys for represented parties
- Leave a message with the clerk’s office at (415) 444-7046, option 5 advising of intent to appear
Critical Deadline: If both steps above are not completed by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, no oral argument will be permitted and the tentative ruling automatically becomes the order of the Marin County probate court.
Ex Parte Applications at Marin County Probate Court
For ex parte probate matters, all documents must be delivered to Marin County probate court no later than 10:00 AM, two court days before the hearing. This is an earlier deadline than most other California counties. The opposing party must deliver opposition no later than 3:30 PM on the court day before the hearing.
Probate Notice Publication in Marin County
California Probate Code §8121 requires publication of the Notice to Creditors in an adjudicated newspaper of general circulation. Selecting the correct newspaper is an important early step in your probate timeline in Marin County. Publication must run for three successive weeks with at least five days between the first and last publication dates. Furthermore, the first publication must appear at least 15 days before the Thursday hearing at Marin County probate court.
Select the newspaper that serves the city or community where the decedent resided at the time of death. After publication is complete, obtain the Proof of Publication affidavit and file it with the Marin County probate court before or at your hearing.
Adjudicated Newspapers — Marin County Probate Court
Verified from Marin County Superior Court Local Rules and Local Form CV080/PR028. Verify the current list at marin.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/local-forms.
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| Publication | Area Served | Phone | Contact |
| Ark Newspaper | Tiburon / Belvedere | (415) 435-2652 | thearknewspaper.com |
| Marin Independent Journal | San Rafael / County-wide | (415) 382-7335 | marinij.com |
| Marinscope Group* | Multiple communities — see note | (415) 408-1073 | legals@marinscope.com |
| Pacific Sun | San Rafael / County-wide | (415) 485-6700 | pacificsun.com |
| The Point Reyes Light | Point Reyes Station / West Marin | (415) 669-1200 | ptreyeslight.com |
| Marin County Post | County-wide | (510) 272-4747 | postnewsgroup.com |
* The Marinscope Group includes: Mill Valley Herald, Novato Advance, Ross Valley Reporter, San Rafael News Pointer, Sausalito Marin Scope, Twin Cities Times, and Marin County Post. Select the Marinscope publication serving the decedent’s specific community.
Probate Examiner Notes in Marin County
Probate examiner notes in Marin County are generated through a process that is meaningfully different from most other California courts. Rather than having only a probate examiner review filings, Marin County probate court has both the Probate Examiner and the Probate Judge review every file together and discuss each case before tentative rulings are posted. As a result, probate examiner notes in Marin County reflect a joint decision — not just an examiner recommendation.
When Probate Examiner Notes Are Published
Probate examiner notes in Marin County are published as tentative rulings on Fridays after 2:00 PM on the court website. Because Marin County probate court hearings occur on Thursdays, the ruling posted on a given Friday applies to the following Thursday’s calendar. Consequently, filers typically have from Friday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon to review probate examiner notes in Marin County, prepare any supplements, and notify parties of intent to appear for oral argument if needed.
Access probate examiner notes in Marin County at marin.courts.ca.gov/online-services/tentative-rulings. Check this page every Friday after 2:00 PM as your hearing approaches.
Oral Argument — Wednesday 4:00 PM Deadline
To contest probate examiner notes in Marin County by requesting oral argument, you must notify all other parties AND leave a message at (415) 444-7046, option 5 by 4:00 PM on the Wednesday before your Thursday hearing. If you do not complete both steps by that deadline, no oral argument will be permitted and the tentative ruling automatically becomes the Marin County probate court’s order.
Responding to Probate Examiner Notes
Probate examiner notes signal filing issues that must be corrected before the court hearing. Common issues include missing attachments, incorrect notice language, unsigned forms, and inconsistent information across filings. If you do not correct probate examiner notes in Marin County properly, the court usually continues the hearing — and because Marin County probate court holds hearings Thursdays only, a continuance adds a full week to your probate timeline in Marin County. Our Probate Notes and Supplements in California guide walks through how to address those issues correctly.
⚡ Probate Examiner Notes in Marin County — Quick Facts
| Notes Posted | Fridays after 2:00 PM |
| Applies To | Following Thursday’s hearing |
| Review Process | Joint — Probate Examiner AND Judge review every file together |
| Oral Argument Deadline | 4:00 PM Wednesday |
| Oral Argument Notice | Call (415) 444-7046, option 5 AND notify all parties |
| If Deadline Missed | No oral argument — ruling becomes court order |
| Hearing Day | Thursdays at 9:00 AM, Courtroom C |
| Ex Parte Deadline | 10:00 AM — two court days before hearing |
Probate Timeline in Marin County
Understanding the probate timeline in Marin County is essential before you begin. Most straightforward estates resolve in twelve to eighteen months from filing to final distribution. However, the Thursday-only hearing schedule is the defining feature of the probate timeline in Marin County — any delay or continuance adds a minimum of one full week. Additionally, the Friday publication of probate examiner notes in Marin County creates a unique weekly rhythm that differs from most other California counties.
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| Phase | Timing | Marin County Notes |
| 1. File Petition | Week 1 | File at Room 113, Hall of Justice, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. Bring original plus at least 2 copies. Arrive before 3:30 PM for new cases. Marin County probate court assigns a Thursday hearing approximately 8–10 weeks out. Attorneys must e-file; self-represented filers may file in person. |
| 2. Publication | Weeks 2–4 | Selecting the correct adjudicated newspaper is a key step in the probate timeline in Marin County. Publish for 3 successive weeks. First publication must appear at least 15 days before the Thursday hearing. Obtain and file the Proof of Publication affidavit before or at the hearing. |
| 3. Examiner & Judge Review | Friday before hearing week | Probate examiner notes in Marin County are posted as tentative rulings on Fridays after 2:00 PM. Both the Probate Examiner and the Probate Judge review each file together before posting. Check the court website every Friday after 2:00 PM as your hearing approaches. |
| 4. Respond to Notes | By Wednesday 4:00 PM | File all supplements in response to probate examiner notes in Marin County. If you wish to contest the ruling, notify all parties AND call (415) 444-7046, option 5 by 4:00 PM Wednesday. Missing this deadline in your probate timeline in Marin County means the ruling becomes the court’s order automatically. |
| 5. Initial Hearing | Thursday, 9:00 AM, Courtroom C | If all probate examiner notes in Marin County are cleared, Marin County probate court grants the petition and authorizes issuance of Letters. Because hearings are Thursdays only, any continuance adds a minimum of one full week to your probate timeline in Marin County. |
| 6. Inventory & Appraisal | Within 4 months of appointment | Contact Marin County’s probate referee, Andrew Rask, to arrange appraisal of all non-cash estate assets. High-value waterfront and hillside properties may require additional time. This is a key milestone in the probate timeline in Marin County. |
| 7. Creditor Period | 4 months from first publication | Creditors have 4 months from first publication OR 60 days from actual notice, whichever is later, to file claims against the estate. |
| 8. Accounting & Petition | After creditor period | File the accounting and petition for final distribution with Marin County probate court. A new Thursday hearing is set. The same probate examiner notes in Marin County process applies — review Friday’s posting and respond before Wednesday 4:00 PM. |
| 9. Final Distribution | After final hearing | Marin County probate court approves distribution at the final Thursday hearing — completing the probate timeline in Marin County. If real property is involved, record the Order/Decree with the Marin County Recorder to complete the transfer of title. |
How Probate & More Helps Families File Probate in Marin County
Families who need to file probate in Marin County face a unique set of procedural requirements. The Thursday-only hearing schedule at Marin County probate court, Friday publication of probate examiner notes in Marin County, Wednesday oral argument deadline, and a single probate referee all shape a probate timeline in Marin County that rewards precise document preparation at every step. A missed deadline or an incomplete supplement means waiting a full additional week for the next available Thursday hearing.
Probate & More is a California Registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA) business with more than 50 years of combined experience in probate document preparation. We serve all 58 California counties, including Marin County. Many clients who need to file probate in Marin County work with us entirely remotely — by phone, email, and secure document delivery.
On a $1,000,000 estate — well within reach for Marin County’s high-value real estate market — statutory attorney fees can exceed $23,000. Our flat-fee service delivers the same professionally prepared documents at a fraction of that cost, putting more of the estate where it belongs — in the hands of your family.
- Preparing your initial probate petition and all supporting documents to file probate in Marin County correctly and completely from the start
- Coordinating publication with the correct adjudicated Marin County newspaper serving the decedent’s community
- Contacting Marin County’s probate referee to facilitate inventory and appraisal of estate assets
- Reviewing probate examiner notes in Marin County posted on Fridays and preparing supplements before the Wednesday 4:00 PM deadline
- Supporting electronic filing through One Legal and other approved providers at Marin County probate court
- Preparing the accounting, petition for final distribution, and all closing documents to complete your probate timeline in Marin County
FAQs — Marin County Probate
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Our team knows how to file probate in Marin County from start to finish. We know the Marin County probate court’s Thursday hearing schedule, where to file probate in Marin County for both in-person and e-filing, how to monitor and respond to probate examiner notes in Marin County posted every Friday, and every step of the probate timeline in Marin County from petition to final distribution. Flat-fee document preparation. 50+ years combined experience. Serving Tiburon, Belvedere, San Rafael, Novato, Point Reyes, and all of Marin County.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
We are a California Registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA). We prepare legal documents — we do not practice law.
For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult a licensed California probate attorney.
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