Last verified 2026-07-20; facts checked against the primary sources below

How probate works in Madera County

Last verified: July 20, 2026

The short answer: Madera probate is filed with the Civil Division at 200 South G Street, Madera, CA 93637. Call (559) 416-5525. Counter hours are 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; a filing drop box operates from 3:00–4:00 p.m., but cash cannot be deposited. E-filing is available to attorneys and self-represented litigants and is not mandatory.

Madera has no probate examiner. All documents are due two days before the court date, and tentative calendar dates are obtained by calling the Civil Division.

Madera County probate at a glance

Filing and the original will

Use an approved EFSP or the Main Courthouse counter/drop box. Provider fees are additional to court fees. For paper filing, arrive before 2:00 p.m. if processing or copies are needed, because the court identifies early morning and the final hour as busiest.

Preserve the original will and lodge it separately from any electronic petition. Probate Code section 8200 generally requires delivery within 30 days after the custodian learns of the death.

How does review work without an examiner?

There is no published examiner-note process because Madera has no Probate Examiner on staff. That makes advance completeness checks especially important. The probate page says all documents must be filed two days before the hearing. Call the Civil Division for tentative dates and monitor the case record and rejection notices.

For an ex parte request, include the required 24-hour notice or non-notice declaration and submit by 10:00 a.m. before the requested court date. Ex parte probate matters may be heard in one of four listed departments, so the assigned order controls.

Remote appearance, forms, and fees

Madera uses Zoom for eligible civil proceedings and requires its online appearance request. Remote eligibility remains hearing-specific. No generally mandatory Madera decedent-estate local form or county probate surcharge was identified; specialized guardianship/conservatorship investigation requirements do not apply automatically to a decedent estate.

Madera County's practical checklist:

• File at the Main Courthouse Civil Division, electronically or on paper.
• Do not put cash in the 3:00–4:00 p.m. drop box.
• Lodge the original will separately.
• File every hearing document at least two days before court.
• Call for available calendar dates and questions because there is no probate examiner.
• Submit the Zoom request and obtain the assigned department's instructions before appearing remotely.

Court logistics change; verify filing and hearing details with Madera County Superior Court before acting.