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PROBATE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Updated 5/19/2022
Q: IS THE CLERK'S OFFICE OPEN FOR BUSINESS?
A: The Clerk's Offices are open for in-person transactions between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Clerk's Office employees are available to assist by telephone from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and are processing documents submitted by E-Filing or by U.S. Mail or Drop-Box (for self-represented parties only) throughout the day.
For questions regarding Probate cases, you may call:
Santa Maria: 805-614-6414
Santa Barbara: 805-882-4520
Q: IS THE CLERK'S OFFICE ACCEPTING FILINGS?
A: The clerk's office accepts filings in-person from self-represented litigants between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. All attorneys are required to E-file. Electronic filing is available at www.sbcourts.org. If it is impossible for self-represented parties to file documents electronically, they may submit documents by U.S. mail to the proper courthouse location at the address listed on the Court website https://www.sbcourts.org/gi/loc/index.shtm.
Self-represented parties may also use the drop boxes located in Santa Maria at the front of the Civil Clerk's Office; in Santa Barbara during business hours in front of the Civil Clerk's Office at 1100 Anacapa St; and in Lompoc at the entrance for Superior Court. Self-represented parties may file by FAX in Santa Maria or Santa Barbara. FAX filings fees are $1.00 per page and you must include the Judicial Council FAX cover sheet, form MC-005, and include a credit card number and three-digit security code on the form.
FAX filing numbers:
Santa Barbara: 805.882.4519
Santa Maria: 805.614.6616
Q: IS THE COURT HOLDING PROBATE PROCEEDINGS?
A: Most probate proceedings may be heard in person or by Zoom. The court no longer routinely allows the use of Court Call. Please refer to the Information/Process for Remote Appearance – Civil document for information on proceedings that require personal appearances and how to request appearance by Zoom. Info/Process for Remote Appearance-Civil
Probate Notes are posted under Tentative Rulings on the Online Service tab of the court website.
Q: IS THE COURT HEARING EX PARTE REQUESTS?
A: Please contact the assigned department for ex parte requests.
Dept. SM 2, SM 3 and LM 2: 805-614-6500
Dept. SM 4: 805-614-6515
Dept. SB 3 and SB 5: 805-882-4570
Dept. SB 4 and SB 6: 805-882-4590
COURT LOCATIONS:
SANTA BARBARA:
CIVIL CASES
1100 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1107
(805) 882-4520
CRIMINAL/TRAFFIC CASES
118 E. Figueroa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 568-3959
MORE SANTA BARBARA COURTS INFO»
SANTA MARIA:
CIVIL CASES
312-C East Cook Street
Bldg. E
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 614-6414
CRIMINAL/TRAFFIC CASES
312-M East Cook Street
Bldg. E
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 346-7550
LOMPOC:
115 Civic Center Plaza
Lompoc, CA 93436-6967
CRIMINAL/TRAFFIC: (805) 737-7789
CIVIL : (805) 737-5452
SOLVANG:
1745 Mission Drive, Suite C
Solvang, CA 93463-3605
(805) 686-5040
* Effective 10/14/14 all matters previously filed at the Solvang Division will be filed at the Lompoc Division.