Santa Barbara County Probate Court

This court handles probate matters for Santa Barbara County, including decedents’ estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. Because the county spans a large geographic area, probate matters are split between two locations: the Anacapa Division in Santa Barbara for South County cases, and the Cook Division in Santa Maria for North County cases, each with its own hearing days and courtroom assignments. People who use this court are typically individuals settling a loved one’s estate, family members seeking guardianship of a minor, or those establishing or managing a conservatorship for an adult.

General Court Services

Court Access & Procedures

South County probate matters are heard Thursdays at 9:00 am in the Anacapa Division in Santa Barbara, while North County matters are heard Monday through Wednesday across several departments at the Cook Division in Santa Maria. All documents must be electronically filed per local rule, and probate notes (similar to tentative rulings) are posted online roughly a week before scheduled hearings, so parties are expected to check the court’s website regularly for updates on their case. Because filing deadlines and form requirements are strict and deficiencies can affect a hearing, visitors should confirm current procedures and forms directly on the official court website before filing.