Last verified 2026-07-15; facts checked against the primary sources below

Editorial standards and corrections

The Estate Desk publishes practical information for people settling California estates. Our standard is simple: a reader should be able to see what a claim is based on, when it was checked, and where our role ends.

How do we verify a guide?

We start with primary sources: the California Probate Code, Judicial Council forms and fee schedules, California Courts self-help materials, county court instructions, and official agency pages. Each guide lists its primary sources and a last-verified date.

We distinguish statewide rules from local procedures. When a fee, form, address, or court practice varies by county, the guide should say so and link to the responsible court or agency.

What do we refuse to publish?

We do not knowingly publish an unverified deadline, threshold, fee, mailing address, or institutional requirement. Draft claims marked for verification are excluded from the public build until the underlying source is confirmed.

We do not present administrative information as legal advice, predict the outcome of a case, or imply that one process fits every estate.

How are pages updated?

We recheck pages when a cited rule, Judicial Council form, fee schedule, or agency process changes. Material changes update the page's verification date. Older pages remain useful only to the extent their cited primary sources remain current.

How can I request a correction?

Email [email protected] with the page URL, the statement you believe is wrong, and the primary source supporting the correction. We review factual corrections against the underlying source and update the page when warranted.

The Estate Desk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Questions about a particular estate should be directed to a licensed California attorney.