San Bernardino County probate
A California estate shows up in one of two places: an affidavit of death recorded with the county, or a probate case in the superior court. The Probate Code is the same in every county. How both work, with the code sections. This page covers what is specific to San Bernardino County.
Where the court hears probate
San Bernardino hears probate in two courthouses, Fontana and Victorville, and assigns each case by ZIP code under a general order that runs through 2027. No probate matter has been heard in downtown San Bernardino since September 5, 2023. The Needles courthouse takes only a short list of matters for its far-desert ZIP codes, among them affidavits re real property of small value and petitions to determine succession to real property.
What the court posts online
The court posts probate notes, the examiner’s notes on each petition, through its Court Access Portal about two weeks before a hearing, updates them about three court days before it, and takes them down seven days after. When the notes recommend approval, the petitioner may choose not to appear (Local Rule 20-102). The notes show what the examiner still needs before an order issues.
When the house never reaches court
When the house never reaches court, the record is at the county recorder instead. San Bernardino’s online Official Records index shows that an affidavit of death was recorded, under the decedent’s name, but the document itself can be viewed only in person at the Hall of Records in San Bernardino or the High Desert Government Center in Hesperia.
What to do differently here
If a San Bernardino estate sells under court confirmation, Local Rule 20-807 requires 10 percent of the price to be deposited with the personal representative on a private sale, and if the personal representative asks, anyone who overbids at the hearing must bring 10 percent of the initial overbid in cash or a certified or cashier’s check. The court will not confirm a sale to a nominee, and it generally caps the broker’s commission at 6 percent where a broker brought the bid (Rule 20-806). Have the deposit ready before the hearing, and buy in the name that will take title.
Sources
- Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, General Order: where probate cases are filed and heard
- Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, probate courtrooms move to Fontana and Victorville (2023)
- Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, probate notes
- Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, Local Rules (Chapter 20, probate)
- San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, official records
Last verified 2026-11-04. Court locations, local rules and online services change, so check the court’s own pages before you rely on a detail. General information, not legal advice.
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