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

San Bernardino County probate matters are filed and heard in the Fontana and Victorville Districts. Petitions are set for hearing at filing, and probate notes are posted on the court’s Court Access Portal. This guide covers the routes for a house and how to sell an inherited San Bernardino County home.

San Bernardino County probate at a glance

Statewide limits for a death on or after April 1, 2025: DE-305 up to $69,625 for real property, and the primary residence petition (DE-310) up to $750,000, per the Orange County court’s summary. Use Judicial Council form DE-300 for your date of death.

Do I need probate to sell an inherited house in San Bernardino 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: the real property affidavit or succession petition 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.

How to sell a house in San Bernardino County after a death

1. 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.
2. Notify the Assessor. The Assessor asks to be notified within 150 days of an owner’s death, even for trust property.
3. Check taxes owed. See our San Bernardino County property tax guide.
4. Plan the deed and tax reports. Our San Bernardino County recorder and deed transfer guide covers recording.
5. Get a cash offer. A cash buyer can close on a date that fits the court schedule. See how we buy houses in San Bernardino County.

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

San Bernardino County probate FAQ

Where is probate heard in San Bernardino County?

In the Fontana and Victorville Districts.

Where do I find probate notes?

On the court’s Court Access Portal, available 2 weeks before and 7 days after a hearing.

Is the Probate Code 13100 affidavit filed with the court?

No. The court’s page says it is not filed with the court.

When are petitions heard?

Petitions are set for hearing at filing.

When must the Assessor be notified of a death?

Within 150 days of an owner’s death, even for property held in trust.

Sources

• Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino: Probate
• San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk: Change of Ownership
• 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 San Bernardino County Superior Court or a California probate attorney.