INSTRUCTIONS: CALIFORNIA ORDER FOR PROBATE (Form DE-140)

The form discussed in this article is issued by a California court to appoint an executor or administrator for an estate. This document can be obtained from the website maintained by the California Judicial Branch.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 1: In the first blank box, enter the name of your attorney, as well as their state bar number, address and telephone number. If not represented by an attorney, enter your name, address and telephone number. In either case, providing an email address or fax number is optional.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 2: In the second blank box, enter the county in which the court is located, as well as its street address, mailing address, city, zip code and branch name.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 3: In the third blank box, enter the name of the decedent.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 4: Check the first box if this order appoints an executor.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 5: Check the second box if this order appoints an administrator with will annexed.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 6: Check the third box if this order appoints an administrator.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 7: Check the fourth box if this order appoints a special administrator.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 8: Check the fifth box if this is an order authorizing independent administration of an estate. If so, indicate with a check mark whether this independent administrator will have full or limited authority.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 9: Where indicated, enter the case number.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 10: On line 1, enter the date of the hearing, as well as the time, department or room and the name of the judge.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 11: On line 2b, enter the date of death.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 12: Check the box on line 2b(1) if the decedent was a resident of the California county named above.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 13: Check the box on line 2b(2) if the decedent was a nonresident of California and left an estate in the county named above.

California Order For Probate DE-140 Step 14: Complete the rest of the form as instructed.