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

Kern County probate is heard at the Juvenile Justice Center in Bakersfield, and the court posts examiner notes and notices of property sales. This guide covers the court’s contacts, the routes for a house and how to sell an inherited Kern County home.

Kern County probate at a glance

Statewide small-estate 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 Kern 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.
• Everything else: a Petition for Probate and an appointed personal representative.

The court lists Probate Referees, who appraise estate property. Court staff cannot give legal advice, so ask a California probate attorney which route fits.

How to sell a house in Kern 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. Check taxes owed. See our Kern County property tax guide.
3. Ask about court approval. Whether a sale needs approval depends on the powers the court gave the personal representative.
4. Plan the deed and tax reports. Our Kern 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 Kern County.

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

Kern County probate FAQ

Where is probate heard in Kern County?

At the Juvenile Justice Center, 2100 College Ave, Bakersfield.

How do I reach the Probate Clerk?

661-610-6900. The probate examiner line is 661-610-6970.

Can I get a copy of a will?

Copies require a court order or a certified death certificate.

Where are property sale petitions posted?

On a bulletin board outside the Probate Department.

Can I appear by CourtCall?

Yes, but it must be pre-cleared 5 court days before the hearing.

Sources

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