Ventura 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 Ventura, plus statewide figures from the Orange County Superior Court; sources are listed at the end. This is general information, not legal advice.

All Ventura County probate matters are filed and heard at the Juvenile and Probate Courthouse in Oxnard. The court’s FAQ says to file in the county where the person lived or owned real property, and it mentions summary proceedings such as a spousal property petition. This guide covers the routes for a house and how to sell an inherited Ventura County home.

Ventura County probate at a glance

Use Judicial Council form DE-300 for the limits that apply to your date of death. The petition for probate fee is on the court’s fee schedule.

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

• House in a living trust: the successor trustee generally handles the sale.
• House passing to a spouse: a spousal property petition may avoid full probate.
• Small house only: DE-305 or DE-310 may fit within the limits above.
• 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.

How to sell a house in Ventura County after a death

1. Lodge the will. The court charges $50 to lodge a will.
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 Ventura County property tax guide.
4. Plan the deed and tax reports. Our Ventura 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 Ventura County.

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

Ventura County probate FAQ

Where is probate heard in Ventura County?

All probate matters are filed and heard at the Juvenile and Probate Courthouse in Oxnard.

When are new probate petitions heard?

New probate estate petitions are set on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

What does it cost to lodge a will?

$50, according to the court’s probate page.

Where should a probate case be filed?

In the county where the person lived or owned real property, according to the court’s FAQ.

Can I appear remotely?

Remote appearances follow California Rule of Court 3.672.

Sources

• Superior Court of California, County of Ventura: 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 Ventura County Superior Court or a California probate attorney.