Probate in San Bernardino County
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 24, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
If you’re handling an estate in San Bernardino County, the process follows California’s statewide probate timeline and statutory fee schedule — what’s local is where you file and the court’s procedures.
San Bernardino County probate is heard primarily at the Fontana District courthouse, with the Victorville District serving the desert region. Before you start, it’s worth confirming whether the estate even needs full probate: smaller estates can often use a small estate affidavit instead. If you do proceed, the executor duties guide covers what you’ll be responsible for, and do you need a lawyer walks through when to get help.
Local court information
Courthouse: Fontana District courthouse, 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335 — the primary courthouse for probate. The Victorville District also hears probate for the desert region.
Decedent's-estate, trust, and conservatorship matters in San Bernardino County are filed and heard primarily at the Fontana District courthouse, with the Victorville District serving desert-region areas. The court offers probate e-filing and an online portal to view probate notes; note that the court's general Self-Help Center lists family law, small claims, and similar case types rather than probate. Confirm which district serves your area and current procedures on the court's official site before you file.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- Where is probate filed in San Bernardino County?
- Decedent's-estate and other probate matters are filed and heard primarily at the Fontana District courthouse (17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335) and the Victorville District, depending on the geographic area. Confirm your district before filing.
- Is there a self-help center for probate in San Bernardino County?
- The court operates Self-Help/Resource Centers, but their listed services focus on family law, child support, civil harassment, landlord/tenant, and small claims — probate is generally not among the assisted case types. The court does offer probate e-filing and online access to probate notes.
- What court rules apply to San Bernardino County probate?
- Probate is governed statewide by the California Probate Code, but San Bernardino issues a General Order on where probate cases are filed and heard, plus local rules. Check both before filing.