Kings County probate cases are filed and heard at the Kings Superior Court, 1640 Kings County Drive in Hanford. Probate is handled through the court’s civil division, and the main court line is (559) 582-1010. Most estates take 9 to 18 months to move from the first petition to final distribution.
Kings has a single main courthouse, which keeps things simple once you know where to go and what to bring. This guide covers the practical details first, then the steps of a Kings County probate case.
Quick Answer: File your Kings County probate petition at the Kings Superior Court, 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230. Call (559) 582-1010 or email information@kings.courts.ca.gov with general questions. The lobby is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and everyone passes through security screening.
Kings County Probate Court Location and Contact
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Courthouse | Kings Superior Court, 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230 |
| Phone | (559) 582-1010 |
| information@kings.courts.ca.gov | |
| Lobby hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Phone hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Division | Probate matters are handled by the civil division |
Parking is on the north and west sides of the building, reached from Kings County Drive or 12th Avenue. You enter through the south and west doors. Details are on the court’s location and contact page.
What to Expect at Security
The Kings Superior Court is a full-security building. Everyone walks through a weapons screening device, and bags and other hand-carried items are x-rayed. Shorts, tank tops, crop tops, and bare feet are not allowed inside, so dress for court before you make the drive.
How a Kings County Probate Case Works
1. File the Petition
The case starts with a Petition for Probate (Form DE-111) filed with the clerk, along with the original will if there is one and a certified death certificate. The clerk sets a hearing date. If someone is holding the original will, California requires them to deliver it to the court within 30 days of learning about the death.
2. Give Notice
Before the hearing, mail a Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (Form DE-121) to every heir and beneficiary at least 15 days ahead, and publish it three times in a local newspaper of general circulation.
3. Get Appointed and Receive Letters
If the judge grants the petition, the court issues letters to the executor or administrator. Letters are the proof banks, title companies, and the DMV ask for before they will deal with the estate.
Waiting on a Kings County estate? A Kings County probate advance lets heirs get part of their inheritance now. It is not a loan, and it is repaid from the estate when the case closes.
4. Inventory, Creditors, and Distribution
The personal representative lists every estate asset, and a court-appointed probate referee values real estate and other non-cash property. Creditors get at least four months after letters are issued to file claims. Once debts are paid, the personal representative asks the court to approve final distribution.
How Long Does Probate Take in Kings County?
Most Kings County probate cases take 9 to 18 months. The four-month creditor period sets the minimum, and the hearing calendar adds time on top of it. Estates with a house to sell, a will contest, or missing heirs can take two years or more.
Getting Help With a Kings County Estate
Court staff can explain procedures but cannot give legal advice. If the estate has real estate, debts, or family disagreements, a local probate attorney can save you time. Our California probate attorney directory lists attorneys by county.
Documents to Bring to the Kings County Clerk
Bring the original will (if one exists), a certified death certificate, your completed DE-111 petition with copies, and a way to pay the filing fee. If heirs have signed bond waivers, attach them to the petition so the judge can act on them at the first hearing.
Keep a list of every heir’s name and mailing address handy. The clerk will not check it for you, but a missing heir on the notice list is one of the most common reasons Kings County hearings get continued.
Get Part of Your Kings County Inheritance Now
ProbateLend works with heirs who have a case in Kings County Superior Court. We advance part of your expected share now, and we are repaid from the estate at distribution. If the estate falls short, you do not repay the difference. Call 888-333-1090 to talk about your case.
Kings County probate is easier when you know where to go and what the court expects: one Hanford courthouse, a full security check, and the same statewide steps every California estate follows. If you need part of your inheritance before the case closes, ProbateLend can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up a Kings County probate case online?
Yes. The Kings County Superior Court offers an online public case portal where you can search for case information. For copies of filed documents, contact the court’s records staff or visit the clerk in Hanford.
Does Kings County have a separate probate courthouse?
No. Probate cases in Kings County are handled at the main Kings Superior Court building in Hanford, which houses Departments 1 through 10. There is no separate probate courthouse.
What happens if the original will is lost?
A copy of a will can sometimes be admitted to probate, but if the original was last in the possession of the person who made it and cannot be found, California presumes they destroyed it on purpose. Overcoming that presumption takes evidence, so talk to a probate attorney before filing with only a copy.
Who can be the administrator if there is no will in Kings County?
California law sets the order of priority. A surviving spouse or registered domestic partner comes first, then children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings. Anyone with equal or higher priority can sign a written waiver so another relative can serve.
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