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

How probate works in Stanislaus County

Last verified: July 20, 2026

The short answer: File and hear decedent-estate and trust matters at the City Towers Courthouse, 801 10th Street, Fourth Floor, Modesto, CA 95354. Call (209) 530-3100 and select option 6, then option 4. The probate window is open 8:15–10:00 a.m.; general clerk hours continue to 4:00 p.m. Probate documents are generally subject to mandatory e-filing.

Probate notes are targeted for publication five calendar days before hearing. Cure technical defects no later than five court days before hearing or the examiner may not review them in time.

Stanislaus County probate at a glance

Filing and the original will

Local Rule 1.14 requires e-filing in probate, subject to listed exceptions. Original wills cannot be e-filed. Lodge the paper will with a cover sheet and the court's published $50 fee. When the petition is e-filed, attach a copy and deliver the original to the clerk no later than three weeks before hearing; omission can cause continuance or dismissal.

The clerk assigns the hearing when the petition is filed. Put the hearing date in later cure documents so the examiner can match and review them promptly.

Examiner notes, tentatives, and appearances

The examiner posts recommendations and updates notes as later filings are reviewed. File cures five court days ahead. An “appearance not required” note means attendance is excused unless circumstances change; other notes expressly require attendance. Probate law-and-motion tentatives post after 1:30 p.m. on the prior court day and use a separate argument-request procedure.

An Inventory and Appraisal is required even when the estate has no assets; omission can trigger a required appearance. The court also schedules later inventory and account-review hearings under its local rules.

Remote appearance, local forms, and fees

Most probate appearances may be made by telephone through VCourt. Follow the court's Civil and Probate instructions and any RA-010 notice requirements; an evidentiary or specially ordered hearing may be treated differently.

No separate county surcharge for opening the petition was identified beyond the published $50 will-lodging fee.

Stanislaus County's practical checklist:

• Use City Towers for estates and trusts, not the separate guardianship/adoption location.
• E-file the petition but separately deliver the original will and cover sheet.
• Make the three-week original-will deadline and five-court-day cure deadline.
• Recheck updated examiner notes before hearing.
• Confirm whether appearance is excused and register for VCourt when needed.
• File an Inventory and Appraisal even if the estate reports zero assets.

Court procedures change; verify filing, notes, and hearing details with Stanislaus County Superior Court before acting.