Q: IS THE CLERK'S OFFICE OPEN FOR BUSINESS?

A: The Clerk's Offices are open, but are not conducting in-person transactions at this time. Clerk's Office employees are available to assist by telephone, and are processing documents submitted by E-Filing or by U.S. Mail or Drop-Box (for self-represented parties only).

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 will continue to accept electronic filings. All attorneys are required to E-file. Electronic filing is available at www.sbcourts.org. Self-represented parties are encouraged to e-file, but may submit filings by mail or fax. If it is impossible for Self-Represented parties to file documents electronically, you may mail your 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.

You 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 at the Figueroa Division, 118 E. Figueroa St; and in Lompoc at the entrance for Superior Court.

You may file by FAX:
Santa Barbara: 805.882.4519
Santa Maria: 805.614.6616

Q: IS THE COURT HOLDING PROBATE PROCEEDINGS?

A: Courtrooms resumed hearing Probate matters on May 26, 2020 by remote appearance, using Zoom video and audio conferencing. The courtrooms will continue to hear Probate matters using Zoom video and audio conferencing only, until further notice. Information regarding Zoom can be found here: https://www.sbcourts.org/gi/notices/Zoom_Instructions.pdf

All hearings/matters scheduled during the court closure (March 17 – May 23, 2020), have been rescheduled. Notices of the new court date were sent to the address the Court has on file. If you had a Probate hearing scheduled during the court closure, and you have not received a notice either rescheduling or vacating the missed hearing, contact the Clerk's Office at the telephone numbers above.

Special Note To Those With Probate Matters Pending In NORTH County:
If you had a probate matter scheduled in Santa Maria between March 17, 2020 and May 23, 2020, check to see if probate notes were posted for the date the matter was originally scheduled. Such notes will be posted where possible and may be posted even after the original hearing date has passed. The court intends to clear as many cases without appearance as soon as operations are continued. Clearing your notes will increase your chances of speedy resolution.

Q: WHAT IF TEMPORARY LETTERS EXPIRE BEFORE MY PROBATE/GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP MATTER IS RESCHEDULED?

A: Included in the Court's April 24, 2020 General Order: Any letters of temporary guardianship or temporary conservatorship with an expiration date of March 17, 2020 through and including May 23, 2020 are hereby amended. Paragraph 3 of all such orders is amended to read "These letters shall expire on July 31, 2020 or upon earlier issuance of Letters to a general guardian or conservator." New Letters of Temporary Guardianship or Temporary Conservatorship shall be issued by the clerk upon request.

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