How to File Probate in San Francisco County

IN THIS GUIDE:

An Introduction to Filing Probate in San Francisco County

Filing probate in San Francisco County California follows statewide probate law, but local court procedures matter. The San Francisco County probate court applies its own filing practices, review standards, and scheduling rules. Understanding where to file probate in San Francisco County, how documents are reviewed, and what timelines to expect helps you avoid delays.

This guide explains probate in San Francisco County California for self-represented families. It covers local filing rules, court procedures, probate examiner notes in San Francisco County, and the probate timeline in San Francisco County. You will learn what the court expects, how to prepare accurate documents, and how to reduce the risk of continuances before your hearing.

For statewide guidance, visit our California Probate by County guide.

Probate Court in San Francisco County

An important question when filing is where to file probate in San Francisco County. For clarity, the San Francisco County Probate Court is part of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. Although there are several divisions,the Probate Division handles:

• Decedent estate administration
• Wills
• Trust matters assigned to probate
• Guardianships and conservatorships

Probate matters are reviewed before hearings, and probate examiner notes in San Francisco County may be available for review prior to a scheduled hearing. The court expects complete filings, correct notice, and consistent information across all documents. Errors and omissions will likely delay your probate timeline.

Court appearances can be made by Zoom and probate tentative rulings can be located online or by phone.

San Francisco County Probate Court – Quick Facts

Address: Civic Center Courthouse
400 McAllister St.
Department 204
San Francisco, CA 94102-4514

Business Hours: Mon-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.; Dropbox hours: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Probate Phone Numbers:
Clerk’s Office: (415) 551-3673
Investigators: (415) 551-3657
Courtroom Clerk: (415) 551-3702

Probate Court Website: Go to probate division

Where to File Probate in San Francisco County

Knowing where to file probate in San Francisco County helps ensure documents are accepted and hearings are scheduled without delay. You file probate cases in San Francisco County through the Clerk of the Superior Court, Probate Division. The county uses mandatory electronic filing for most probate matters.

Most probate filings are processed at the Civic Center Courthouse. The clerk assigns hearing dates for many probate petitions at the time of filing.

Local practice note: Some probate motions or special petitions require coordination with the courtroom clerk before filing. Always confirm before submitting time-sensitive pleadings.

What to expect with probate e-filing

• Probate petitions are generally filed electronically
• Filing occurs through court-approved electronic filing service providers
• Filing fees are paid at submission
• The clerk reviews filings after submission

Important cautions

• Certain original documents, such as original wills, may still require physical delivery to the court
• Rejected filings must be corrected and resubmitted promptly
• Filing cut-off times affect same-day processing

Always review the court’s current e-filing rules before submitting probate documents.

San Francisco County Probate Filing – Key Facts

Filing Method: Electronic filing is generally required for probate cases in San Francisco County, subject to limited court exceptions.

Approved E-Filing Providers
• One Legal
• File & Serve Express
• Other approved providers

Helpful Court Links
Probate Filing Instructions: E-filing inquiries must be directed to the E-filing unit by email to Probateclerks@sftc.org
You must format your Subject Line as: Case #, Transaction #, Purpose of Email
Tip: Your transaction number is the 8-digit number starting with 77xxxxxx or 78xxxxxx This can be obtained from your e-filing vendor. Include the transaction number in the BODY of the email.

Probate Fee Schedule: View statewide and local fee schedule

How to Look Up a Probate Case in San Francisco County

San Francisco County provides an online case access portal for probate matters.

You can generally:

• Search probate cases by name or case number
• View case status and hearing dates
• Confirm filings and court activity

Some documents may not display online and require in-person or records requests.

Case Search Portal: Search probate cases

Tentative Rulings: Tentative rulings are available online through the court portal or by phone at 415-551-4000 up to three days before a scheduled hearing. These “tentative rulings” will also include probate examiner notes in San Francisco County.

Local Probate Rules in San Francisco County

San Francisco probate cases are governed by California Probate Code and San Francisco Local Rules.

Local rules affect:

• E-filing procedures
• Proposed order formatting
• Timing for submissions
• Ex parte and special petitions

Even small rule issues can delay a hearing. Review local probate rules carefully before filing, especially for first-time probate cases.

Download Local Rules of Court (probate): Access current rules

Newspaper Publication Requirements in San Francisco County

Most probate cases require publication of the Notice of Petition to Administer Estate.

San Francisco publication rules

• Publication must run in an adjudicated San Francisco newspaper
• The notice must publish for the required number of weeks
• Proof of publication must be filed before the hearing

Tip: Always confirm that the newspaper is currently adjudicated for San Francisco County before ordering publication. You can access a current county list through the San Francisco government site.

Probate Examiner Notes San Francisco County

Probate examiner notes in San Francisco County address notice defects, missing attachments, and inconsistent information across filings. San Francisco probate examiner notes signal filing issues that must be corrected before the hearing. Common problems include missing attachments, incorrect notice language, unsigned forms, and inconsistencies across documents. If notes are not appropriately cleared, the court typically continues the hearing. Our Probate Notes and Supplements in California guide explains how to correct these issues and file compliant responses.

San Francisco probate examiner notes are detail-oriented, so line-by-line review is critical to make sure all deficiencies and questions are properly corrected or addressed.

Review our step-by-step guide Probate Notes and Supplements in California that explains probate examiner notes and how to clear them.

San Francisco Probate Examiner Notes – Quick Facts

Examiner Notes Page: Please refer to tentative rulings

Timing: Typically available online 1 to 3 days before the hearing. Tentative rulings are also available by phone by calling 415-551-4000

Important Tip: You can contact your appointed examiner directly using the following email addresses.

• Sean Bang SBang@sftc.org
• Aero Feth AFeth@sftc.org
• Aeyoung Kim AKim@sftc.org
• Edward Miyauchi EMiyauchi@sftc.org
• Helen Trowbridge HTrowbridge@sftc.org

Examiners change, so please check the court website for the most updated examiner information. (see FAQs)

Assigned Probate Referees in San Francisco County

A probate referee appraises non-cash estate assets for the Inventory and Appraisal.

In San Francisco County:

• Referees are appointed through court procedures
• The California State Controller maintains the official referee list
• Assignment methods may vary by case

Currently, the following referees serve as probate referees for San Francisco County probate cases. Confirm current information through the California State Controller’s Office.

Harrington, Amy; 317 West Portal Avenue, Unit 27428, San Francisco, CA 94127-1441; Phone: (415) 391-8828; Fax: (415) 558-7701; Email: probatereferees88@gmail.com

Kasolas, Michael G.; P.O. Box 27526, San Francisco, CA 94127; Phone: (415) 992-5806; Fax: (415) 520-5443; Email: mike@kasolas.com

Mahoney III, Frank W.; 3245 Geary Boulevard, Unit 590427, San Francisco, CA 94159-3336; Phone: (415) 831-9110; Fax: (415) 831-9108; Email: sfsmreferee@gmail.com

Yawitz, Shirley C.; 2039 Taraval Street, San Francisco, CA 94116; Phone: (415) 566-5122; Fax: (415) 566-5122; Email: s.c.y@sbcglobal.net

Probate Timeline in San Francisco County

San Francisco probate cases follow California law, but local review practices often affect timing. This probate timeline in San Francisco County outlines each step from filing through final distribution.

How Probate & More Helps Families with San Francisco County Probate

Probate & More provides affordable, non-attorney probate document preparation for self-represented families throughout California.

We help you:

• Prepare accurate, court-ready probate documents
• Understand each step of the San Francisco probate process
• Coordinate publication and referee requirements
• Respond properly to probate examiner notes
• Stay organized and on schedule

Our team brings more than 50 years of combined experience, offering flat-fee services that cost far less than statutory attorney fees. We do not give legal advice, but we stay involved through every filing phase to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Call 916-243-0311 to learn how we can help with your San Francisco probate case.

FAQs – San Francisco County Probate

Q. Where do I file probate in San Francisco County?
A. You file probate cases with the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, Probate Division, generally through electronic filing.

Q. Does San Francisco County require e-filing for probate?
A. Yes. San Francisco generally requires electronic filing for probate cases, subject to limited exceptions.

Q. How long does probate take in San Francisco County?
A. Many cases take nine to eighteen months, depending on examiner notes, asset issues, and court scheduling.

Q. Do I need a probate referee in San Francisco County?
A. Yes. Most estates require a probate referee to appraise non-cash assets for the Inventory and Appraisal.

Q. What happens if I miss a probate examiner issue?
A. The court usually continues the hearing until corrections are filed properly.

Start Your Probate Filing in San Francisco County

Filing probate involves more than submitting forms. Local court procedures, filing methods, notice rules, and examiner review all affect how smoothly a case moves forward. Understanding probate in San Francisco County, California, helps families prepare accurate documents, meet court expectations, and avoid unnecessary delays. With proper preparation and attention to local requirements, self-represented filers can navigate the probate process with greater confidence and clarity.

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