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How to Check if a Will Has Been Lodged in California

By July 9, 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
  • Related Resources
  • FAQ
  • Next Steps

Key Takeaways

A will becomes a public record once it’s lodged with the probate court in California.

  • You can search for a lodged will using a county’s online case portal or by contacting the court clerk.
  • If you can’t find the will, it may not have been lodged yet or may not be publicly available online.
  • The Grossman Law Firm can help you determine whether a probate case exists and guide you through the next steps in the legal process.

California Wills Lodged Online

When someone passes away, one of the first legal questions family members often ask is whether a will exists—and if it has been properly lodged with the probate court. At The Grossman Law Firm, we help beneficiaries and executors navigate California’s probate system, including how to locate lodged wills and understand what information is publicly available. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to access the California court system, search for a lodged will, and what to do if you can’t find one.



Steps to Locate a Lodged Will

To check if a will has been lodged in California, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the County Court Website: Go to the official website for the Superior Court in the county where the decedent lived.
  2. Navigate to Online Services: Look for sections such as “Case Access” or “Online Services,” which allow for probate case searches.
  3. Search by Name: Use the decedent’s full name to search for any open or closed probate cases.
  4. Check Case Details: If a case appears, review the docket to see if a will has been lodged or if a probate petition has been filed.
  5. Call or Visit the Clerk’s Office: If you don’t find a case online, call the probate division of the court or visit in person to inquire.

If your county doesn’t offer online access, or if no case appears, the will may not yet be lodged.

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

Not all counties have online search tools, and not all records are publicly accessible. If you’re unable to locate a will:

  • Call the Probate Clerk: Ask if a will has been filed for the decedent.
  • Visit in Person: Go to the probate counter at the courthouse with the decedent’s full name and date of death.
  • Ask the County Clerk’s Office: In some counties, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office may maintain copies or indexes of lodged wills.

Remember: just because a will isn’t visible doesn’t mean one doesn’t exist. It may not have been lodged yet or may be in a sealed case.

When to Consult a Probate Attorney

If you’re unsure whether a probate case has been opened or if you suspect a will is being withheld, an experienced probate attorney can help. The Grossman Law Firm regularly assists clients with:

  • Determining whether a will has been lodged
  • Filing petitions to compel the lodging of a will
  • Accessing court records
  • Initiating probate proceedings if needed

Related Resources

FAQ

What does it mean to lodge a will?

Lodging a will means filing it with the probate court after the person who wrote the will has died. This is required by law in the state of California.

Is a lodged will public record in California?

Yes. Once a will is lodged with the court, it becomes part of the public record, unless a judge has ordered it sealed.

How soon after death must a will be lodged?

California law requires the will to be lodged within 30 days of the decedent’s death.

Can I search for a will without an attorney?

Yes. Many counties offer public access tools online, and court clerks can provide basic information. However, legal guidance is helpful if the situation becomes complicated.

Next Steps

If you’re unsure whether a loved one’s will has been lodged with the court or if you need help obtaining a copy, we can assist.

At The Grossman Law Firm, we help beneficiaries and heirs understand their rights and navigate the probate process with confidence.

Call (888) 443-6590 or fill out our Get Help Now form.

Our Intake Specialists can evaluate your case at no cost to you to assess your situation. Qualifying cases will be scheduled for a Free Phone Consultation with Attorney Scott Grossman.



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