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How to Check if a Will Has Been Lodged in California

By August 18, 2025November 6th, 2025No Comments

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

California Wills Lodged Online

Steps to Locate a Lodged Will

What to Do If You Can’t Find the Will Online

When to Consult a Probate Attorney

How The Grossman Law Firm Can Help

Related Resources

FAQ

Key Takeaways

  • Once someone lodges a will with the probate court in California, it becomes a public record.

  • You can search for a lodged will through a county’s online case portal or by contacting the court clerk.

  • If you can’t locate the will, the person responsible may not have lodged it yet, or the court may not have made it available online.

  • The Grossman Law Firm assists beneficiaries in determining whether a probate case is necessary and in taking the next legal steps when a will cannot be located.

California Wills Lodged Online

Under California Probate Code §8200, the person holding a will must lodge it with the probate court in the county where the decedent lived within 30 days of death. Once filed, the will becomes part of the public record.

Many California counties provide online access to probate filings, allowing you to search from home. This is often the fastest way to check if a will has been lodged and whether a probate case has been opened.

If family members have not located the will, it’s best to start by checking where the decedent kept essential papers such as tax returns, property deeds, or bank records—these often reveal clues about which county to search.

Steps to Locate a Lodged Will

To find out whether a will has been lodged in California:

  1. Visit the County Superior Court website.
    Navigate to the court in the county where the decedent lived.

  2. Go to “Case Access” or “Online Services.”
    Look for probate case search options.

  3. Search by the decedent’s name.
    Enter the full legal name to view any active or closed probate cases.

  4. Review case details.
    If a case appears, open the docket to check if a will has been filed or referenced.

  5. Contact the Probate Clerk’s Office.
    If no results appear, call or visit the court clerk to verify whether the will has been lodged.

Not all counties post probate filings online. In that case, contacting or visiting the court directly is the best course of action.

What to Do If You Can’t Find the Will Online

If no will appears online, don’t assume it doesn’t exist. Some records are not digitized or may be sealed by the court. Try the following steps:

  • Call the Probate Clerk’s Office. Ask if a will for the decedent has been filed.

  • Visit the courthouse in person. Bring the decedent’s full name and date of death.

  • Check with the County Clerk-Recorder. Some offices keep indexes of lodged wills.

A will might not appear because it hasn’t been lodged yet. In that case, a probate attorney can help file a petition to compel the lodging of the will, forcing the person holding it to submit it to the court.

When to Consult a Probate Attorney

If you suspect someone is withholding a will or if you’re unsure whether a probate case exists, legal guidance can save significant time and stress.

The Grossman Law Firm assists clients in:

  • Confirming whether a will has been lodged

  • Filing petitions to compel the lodging of a will

  • Accessing court records and probate filings

  • Initiating probate when a will surfaces or a case must be opened

Our team helps beneficiaries and heirs protect their rights and ensure that a decedent’s final wishes are properly handled under California law.

How The Grossman Law Firm Can Help

For more than 20 years, The Grossman Law Firm has represented clients in California probate and trust litigation. We help families:

  • Locate and verify lodged wills

  • Navigate county court systems and probate filings

  • Take legal action when a will is withheld or mishandled

  • Initiate probate to begin asset distribution

At The Grossman Law Firm, we focus exclusively on probate, probate litigation, and trust litigation. We bring decades of specialized experience to every case, protecting beneficiaries and heirs in California.

Call (888) 443-6590 or fill out our Get Help Now form below.
Our Intake Specialists can evaluate your case at no cost to you.
Qualifying cases will be scheduled for a Free Phone Consultation with Attorney Scott Grossman.

Related Resources

FAQ

What does it mean to “lodge” a will?

Lodging a will means filing it with the probate court after the testator’s death. California law requires the person holding the will to lodge it with the court within 30 days of the decedent’s death.

Is a lodged will a public record?

Yes. Once lodged, the will becomes part of the public record unless sealed by court order.

How soon after someone passes away must a will be lodged?

Within 30 days, under California Probate Code §8200.

Can I search for a will without hiring an attorney?

Yes. Many counties have online search tools, and court clerks can provide basic case information. However, an attorney can help if the will is missing, withheld, or subject to dispute.

Originally Published Dec 5, 2023