Introduction and scope

This directory centralizes official, state‑sanctioned probate self‑help, e‑filing, and guided‑form resources that executors and family representatives can use after a death. It emphasizes authoritative court portals and statewide legal‑aid hubs, notes common e‑filing caveats for probate, and points to HelloSunset’s automation when you want step‑by‑step help generating and filing probate paperwork. Always verify local rules and fees before filing; many probate requirements are county‑specific and change regularly. citeturn5search1

How to use this directory

• Start with your state’s official self‑help or legal‑aid site to learn procedures and obtain forms.

• If your state or county supports e‑filing for probate, register on the court’s approved portal; many allow optional e‑filing for self‑represented filers.

• Use a guided‑interview tool (where available) to populate required forms, then e‑file or file in person as your court requires.

• Keep originals of irreplaceable documents (for example, an original will) handy—many courts require physical submission even if other documents are e‑filed. See “Common e‑filing caveats for probate,” below. citeturn6search3turn1search9

National gateways to forms and guided interviews

• LawHelp.org state finder (official network of statewide legal‑aid portals). citeturn5search1

• LawHelp Interactive (LHI) Find Forms (free guided interviews available in 35+ states). citeturn0search7

• Tyler Guide & File and e‑filing public pages (states vary; check availability). citeturn4search6

By‑state quick directory (selected high‑volume states)

The entries below prioritize official court or statewide legal‑aid endpoints and note e‑filing/guided‑form availability. Fees are indicative only; consult linked sources for current amounts and rules.

State notes and sources (correspond to table)

• California: CA Courts probate self‑help; Kern and San Bernardino Superior Court probate e‑filing pages; Sutter County eFileCA FAQ; typical filing fee guidance from CA Courts. citeturn15search0turn1search8turn1search2turn1search3turn15search5

• Texas: Texas Court Help; Texas State Law Library probate form guidance; eFileTexas official; eFileTexas resources for self‑represented filers. citeturn18search0turn18search2turn18search3turn18search6

• Florida: Florida Courts Help filing instructions; Pinellas (FCCC) portal fee examples; DIY Florida program; St. Lucie guidance. citeturn2search0turn2search1turn2search2turn2search3

• New York: NY CourtHelp probate; NYSCEF homepage; Surrogate’s Court e‑file rules (22 NYCRR 207.4a, 207.4aa). citeturn6search5turn0search4turn6search3turn6search9

• Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Register of Wills (with/without will; records); Dauphin e‑filing; Washington County Orphans’ Court e‑filing; Allegheny resources. citeturn9search6turn9search5turn9search0turn9search2turn9search4turn9search9

• Illinois: eFileIL statewide; Illinois Legal Aid Online form library and Easy Forms. citeturn2search7turn3search3

• Ohio: Franklin County Probate e‑filing (mandatory); Supreme Court of Ohio e‑filing (appellate). citeturn12search0turn12search4

• Georgia: Odyssey eFileGA; DeKalb Probate (eFileGA pointers); Coweta TrueFiling announcement; Fulton Probate e‑file notes. citeturn7search3turn7search4turn7search5turn7search11

• North Carolina: NC eCourts overview (File & Serve, Guide & File, rollout); Guide & File case list (includes Probate). citeturn17search0turn17search1

• Michigan: MiFILE information and county adoption (Oakland; Livingston); Michigan Legal Help on fees and MiFILE. citeturn3search1turn3search0turn3search2turn3search4

• New Jersey: NJ Courts adult guardianship self‑help; Morris County Surrogate eProbate (fees); NJ surrogate role definition. citeturn13search0turn13search1turn13search4

• Virginia: Virginia Judiciary VJEFS (attorneys only); county probate/qualification pages (Fauquier; Prince William; Virginia Beach); VA Code probate authorities. citeturn14search2turn14search0turn14search3turn14search9turn14search6

• Washington: King County e‑Filing resources and Clerk notices; eFileWA landing; Snohomish e‑filing status. citeturn10search0turn10search6turn10search1turn10search8

• Arizona: Mohave probate page; Yavapai e‑filing overview pointing to eFileAZ/AZTurboCourt. citeturn11search8turn11search6

• Massachusetts: Probate & Family Court e‑filing explainer; eFileMA portal; fee example (custody/support page shows e‑file fee add‑on). citeturn6search1turn6search8turn6search7

Fees, waivers, and payment specifics (examples)

• California: The probate petition filing fee is typically about $435, with additional costs for publication, appraisals, and administration; counties may add surcharges. citeturn15search5

• Florida: The statewide portal adds $5 per e‑check filing or ~3.95% for credit cards, in addition to court filing fees. citeturn2search1

• Michigan: An e‑filing system fee is assessed when opening a new civil/probate case (e.g., $25 in probate), plus a 3% card processing fee if you pay online. Fee waivers are available for qualifying filers. citeturn3search2

Common e‑filing caveats for probate

• Original wills: Even where e‑filing is permitted, courts generally require lodging the original will and certain originals in person or by mail. California examples list wills/codicils as ineligible for e‑filing; New York Surrogate’s Court requires the original will (and often within two business days of e‑filing). citeturn1search8turn1search9turn6search3

• Post‑e‑file originals: Some probate courts require delivery of original signed petitions or supporting papers after an initial e‑filing (e.g., Fulton County, GA, within 10 days). Always check local instructions. citeturn7search8

• County variation: In several states (e.g., PA, NJ, VA), probate is administered by county offices (Register of Wills, Surrogate, or Circuit Court Clerk), and e‑filing eligibility differs by county. Confirm procedures and fee schedules locally. citeturn9search0turn13search1turn14search0

Automate probate paperwork with Hello

Sunset

Automate probate paperwork with Sunset

Sunset’s automated executor software prepares county‑specific probate documents for all 50 states and 3,000+ counties, supports online notarization where available, and keeps you in control at every step. The service is always free to families—Sunset earns revenue from bank partners while funds sit in an FDIC‑insured estate account. Most families find 100% of assets within a week, and 98% of estates don’t need a probate lawyer. Learn more at https://www.hellosunset.com/how-it-works.

If you’d like help generating county‑specific probate forms and coordinating filings, HelloSunset’s software can prepare probate documents for all 50 states and 3,000+ counties, supports online notarization where available, and keeps you in control. The service is always free to families; Sunset earns revenue from partner banks while estate funds sit in the estate account. Most families locate 100% of assets within a week; 98% of estates don’t need a probate lawyer. Learn more at the HelloSunset automation page. citeturn0knowledge_base_context0turn0knowledge_base_context2

Important disclaimer

• This page is informational, not legal advice. Court rules, authorized case types, and e‑filing availability change frequently; always verify on your court’s official site and consult a licensed attorney as needed.

• Fees are examples only and may change without notice; fee waivers may be available based on financial hardship.