If you’re handling an estate in San Bernardino County, it helps to know that where probate is filed has changed in recent years. Here’s a current, practical rundown of San Bernardino County probate.
Quick Answer: Where Do I File Probate in San Bernardino County?
Probate matters in San Bernardino County are filed and heard at the Fontana District, 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335, and the Victorville District, 14455 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA 92392, both reachable at (909) 521-3388. The Probate Clerk’s Office relocated from the old San Bernardino Justice Center to Fontana in February 2024, so older references to a San Bernardino District or Rancho Cucamonga location are outdated.
San Bernardino County Probate Court Locations, Contact Info, and Hours
Fontana District (Probate Clerk’s Office):
17780 Arrow Boulevard
Fontana, CA 92335
Phone: (909) 521-3388
Victorville District:
14455 Civic Drive
Victorville, CA 92392
Phone: (909) 521-3388
Hours:
Both locations: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm.
The Needles District also handles a narrower set of probate case types, including affidavits for real property of small value, guardianships, petitions to determine succession to real property, and petitions to establish facts of birth, death, or marriage. For most decedent’s estate matters, Fontana and Victorville are the two locations that matter.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate: resolving debts, notifying heirs and creditors, and distributing assets under court supervision. For a broader overview of how the process works statewide, see our guide to the California Probate Code.
Filing Petitions Online
San Bernardino County offers the Court Access Portal (CAP) for filing probate petitions and motions online, which lets you submit documents, access forms, and receive email updates on your filing’s status without a trip to the courthouse. Probate Notes for scheduled hearings are also available through CAP, typically posted about two weeks before a hearing.
Do You Need Full Probate?
Probate isn’t always required. If the decedent held assets in a trust or with named beneficiaries, those assets can often bypass probate entirely. Living trusts, beneficiary designations, joint ownership with rights of survivorship, and transfer-on-death deeds are common ways estates avoid the process. For more on what happens when there’s no will guiding distribution, see our guide to probate in California without a will.
Getting Help
Contacting the Probate Clerk’s Office directly is the most reliable way to confirm filing procedures and document requirements for your specific case. For those who need broader legal assistance, the Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino and Inland Counties Legal Services can provide guidance for qualifying individuals.
Need Funds? ProbateLend Can Help
San Bernardino County probate cases can take months to fully resolve. If you’re facing expenses while a case works through the Fontana or Victorville District, a probate advance gives you access to a portion of your expected inheritance now instead of waiting for the estate to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I file a probate case in San Bernardino County?
Probate matters are filed and heard at the Fontana District, 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335, and the Victorville District, 14455 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA 92392.
Has the San Bernardino County probate court location changed?
Yes. The Probate Clerk’s Office moved from the old San Bernardino Justice Center to the Fontana District in February 2024. Rancho Cucamonga is no longer a probate filing location.
Can I file probate petitions online in San Bernardino County?
Yes, through the Court Access Portal (CAP), which allows electronic filing, form access, and email status updates.
Is probate always necessary in San Bernardino County?
No. Assets held in a trust or with designated beneficiaries can often bypass probate entirely.
Can I get money from an estate before San Bernardino County probate closes?
Yes. An inheritance advance lets eligible heirs access part of their expected share before the estate distributes, without waiting for the court process to finish.
ProbateLend offers a San Bernardino County probate advance that gives heirs access to a portion of their inheritance now. Handling a San Bernardino County probate case doesn’t mean waiting on money that’s already yours. See if you qualify for a probate advance with ProbateLend.
Why Wait? Get Probate Cash Now
The California probate process can take 12 months or more. If you can’t wait for your inheritance, we have you covered! Our simple application and streamlined underwriting can get money in your pocket within 24 hours. Probate Lend provides the best pricing and service for all California Counties.