Imperial County Probate and Inherited Home Guide for Heirs and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Facts come from the Superior Court of California, County of Imperial, plus statewide figures from the Orange County Superior Court; sources are listed at the end. This is general information, not legal advice.

Imperial County probate matters are handled by the Probate Division of the Superior Court in El Centro. The court’s page says probate is not required for estates under $100,000, for property held in trust, or for property passing to a spouse, and that the small-estate affidavit generally cannot be used for real property such as a house.

This guide explains what that means for an inherited home and how to sell it.

Probate routes for a house in Imperial County

The Imperial court’s page shows an older $100,000 figure. Use Judicial Council form DE-300 for the limits that apply to your date of death.

Do I need probate to sell an inherited house in Imperial County?

• House in a living trust: the successor trustee generally handles the sale.
• House passing to a spouse: the court says probate is not required.
• Small house only: the DE-305 or DE-310 routes may fit.
• Everything else: a Petition for Probate and an appointed personal representative.

Court staff cannot give legal advice. A California probate attorney can tell you which route fits.

Court tools

• Probate Notes: available through a free Public Portal account.
• Lodging a will: a will must be lodged with the court within 30 days.

How to sell a house in Imperial County after a death

1. Lodge the will. If you hold the will, deliver it to the court within 30 days.
2. Confirm who has authority. That may be a court-appointed personal representative, a trustee or a surviving spouse. Do not sign a sale contract until you know.
3. Check taxes owed. See our Imperial County property tax guide.
4. Plan the deed and tax reports. Our Imperial County recorder and deed transfer guide covers recording and transfer tax.
5. Get a cash offer. A cash buyer can close on a date that fits the court schedule. See how we buy houses in Imperial County.

Inherited an Imperial County house and not sure where to start? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. There is no cost and no obligation.

Imperial County probate FAQ

Where is the Imperial County probate court?

The Probate Division is at 939 W Main St in El Centro.

Is probate required for property in a trust?

The court’s page says probate is not required for property held in trust.

Can a small estate affidavit transfer a house?

The court says the affidavit generally cannot be used for real property like a house.

How soon must a will be lodged?

Within 30 days, according to the court’s page.

Can I look up probate notes online?

Yes, through a free Public Portal account.

Sources

• Superior Court of California, County of Imperial: Probate Division
• Superior Court of California, County of Orange: Simplified Probate Procedures (statewide limits)

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Limits and procedures change; confirm with the Imperial County Superior Court or a California probate attorney.