Which county handles probate?

Probate is filed in the Superior Court of the county where the person lived when they died — even if the house is in a different county.

Where do I file the BOE-502-D and the Prop 19 claim?

With the Assessor of the county where the house is located. The Change in Ownership Statement (BOE-502-D) is due within 150 days of the death; the parent-child exclusion claim within 3 years of the death or before a transfer to a third party, whichever is earlier.

Where do I record an affidavit of death?

With the Recorder of the county where the house is located. That's where affidavits of death of a joint tenant or trustee are recorded to update the property's title records.

Inherited Property in Southern California: County by County

Three county offices you'll deal with

Every California county has the same three offices that matter after a death. Knowing which does what saves a lot of phone calls.

The Superior Court handles probate. The case is filed in the county where the person lived when they died — even if the house is somewhere else.
The Assessor sets the property's assessed value for property taxes. That's where you file the Change in Ownership Statement (BOE-502-D), due within 150 days of the death, and the claim for the Prop 19 parent-child exclusion.
The Recorder keeps official property records. That's where documents like an affidavit of death of joint tenant or affidavit of death of trustee are recorded.

Will works with families across Southern California. The sections below name each county's offices. Websites and courthouse assignments change, so always confirm with the office before filing.

Los Angeles County

Superior Court (probate): Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Probate is heard at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles.

Assessor: Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor — where to file the BOE-502-D and the Prop 19 parent-child exclusion claim for a house in Los Angeles County.

Recorder: Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk — where affidavits of death are recorded for a house in Los Angeles County.

Orange County

Superior Court (probate): Superior Court of California, County of Orange. Probate is heard at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 The City Drive South, Orange.

Assessor: Orange County Assessor — where to file the BOE-502-D and the Prop 19 parent-child exclusion claim for a house in Orange County.

Recorder: Orange County Clerk-Recorder — where affidavits of death are recorded for a house in Orange County.

Ventura County

Superior Court (probate): Superior Court of California, County of Ventura. Probate is heard at the Hall of Justice, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura.

Assessor: Ventura County Assessor — where to file the BOE-502-D and the Prop 19 parent-child exclusion claim for a house in Ventura County.

Recorder: Ventura County Clerk and Recorder — where affidavits of death are recorded for a house in Ventura County.

Riverside County

Superior Court (probate): Superior Court of California, County of Riverside. Probate is heard at the Riverside Historic Courthouse (4050 Main Street, Riverside), the Palm Springs Courthouse and the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta.

Assessor: Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder — where to file the BOE-502-D and the Prop 19 parent-child exclusion claim for a house in Riverside County.

Recorder: Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder — where affidavits of death are recorded for a house in Riverside County.

San Bernardino County

Superior Court (probate): Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino. Probate is heard at the San Bernardino Justice Center, 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino.

Assessor: San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk — where to file the BOE-502-D and the Prop 19 parent-child exclusion claim for a house in San Bernardino County.

Recorder: San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk — where affidavits of death are recorded for a house in San Bernardino County.

San Diego County

Superior Court (probate): Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. Probate is heard at the Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street, San Diego.

Assessor: San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk — where to file the BOE-502-D and the Prop 19 parent-child exclusion claim for a house in San Diego County.

Recorder: San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk — where affidavits of death are recorded for a house in San Diego County.

Courthouse assignments can change; confirm with the court before filing or attending a hearing.

When the person lived in one county and the house is in another

This is common in Southern California. Probate is filed where the person lived. Property tax filings go to the Assessor, and recordings to the Recorder, of the county where the house sits. A probate attorney can keep both on track, and Will can coordinate the sale side.

Outside Southern California?

Will personally helps families with homes in Southern California. If the house is elsewhere in California, he can refer you to a trust and probate real estate agent in that area — just reach out and mention the county.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Talk with a California probate or trust attorney and a tax professional about your situation.