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

How probate works in San Benito County

Last verified: July 20, 2026

The short answer: San Benito has one courthouse at 450 Fourth Street, Hollister, CA 95023. The Civil Division is reached at (831) 636-4057, option 4. The clerk counter is open 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., while telephone service continues to 5:00 p.m. Probate is a covered e-filing case type under Local Rule 10.13.

The court may issue a probate tentative ruling, but the system is discretionary. When none appears, attend unless the court orders otherwise. Remote appearance requests must use the mandatory Judicial Council forms.

San Benito County probate at a glance

Filing and original documents

Submit eligible papers through an approved provider or the clerk method available to the filer. Provider services and transaction fees vary. Fax filing was repealed effective January 1, 2025, so do not use an old fax procedure.

The original will requires physical lodging. Probate Code section 8200 generally requires delivery within 30 days after the custodian learns of death. Preserve it intact and confirm the clerk's paper-document process.

Tentative rulings and hearing attendance

Local Rule 15.14 establishes probate tentatives, but the court is not required to issue one in every case. If a ruling posts and no party timely requests argument, it becomes final. If no ruling posts, attend the scheduled hearing.

The current public site does not publish a separate probate-examiner notes portal. Monitor tentatives, the docket, and clerk communications for defects.

Remote appearance, forms, and fees

Use RA-010 and any applicable statewide opposition/order forms; the court states all remote requesters must use mandatory Judicial Council forms. A connection link does not replace a filed request. No local decedent-estate opening form or county surcharge was identified on the current forms page.

San Benito County's practical checklist:

• File at the single Hollister courthouse or through its approved EFSP system.
• Plan around the 3:30 p.m. filing-counter close.
• Do not fax; lodge the original will physically.
• Check for a discretionary tentative and appear if none posts.
• Submit the required Judicial Council remote forms on time.

Court procedures change; verify filing and hearing details with San Benito County Superior Court before acting.