Required Forms for Selling Real Estate in Probate (Orange County Guide)

To sell a probate property in Orange County, California, you’ll need court-issued Letters, a Petition for Probate, a Notice of Sale, and several required disclosures. The exact forms depend on whether court confirmation is required.

What paperwork is needed to sell probate real estate in Orange County?

Here are the essential forms:

• Petition for Probate (DE-111): Starts the probate case.

• Letters (DE-150): Grants authority to act as personal representative.

• Inventory & Appraisal (DE-160): Documents the property’s value.

• Notice of Sale: Must be published in a newspaper if court confirmation is required.

• Order Confirming Sale (if needed): Judicial approval of buyer and price.

Are probate real estate forms different in Orange County?

Not drastically—but local rules do apply.
For example, in Orange County, the court often requires:

• A specific Affidavit of Publication format for Notice of Sale.

• Strict compliance with Probate Code §10300–10316 if the sale is court-confirmed.

• Filing through the Probate Department of the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana.

What seller disclosures are required in a probate sale?

In most cases:

• Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS): Required unless exempt.

• Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD): Must be delivered to the buyer.

• Probate Advisory Addendum (C.A.R. Form): Explains unique probate terms.

While some disclosures may be waived if the representative never occupied the home, disclosure laws still apply in probate sales.

When is court confirmation required for a probate sale?

Type of Representative Court Confirmation Needed?

Full Authority (under IAEA) ❌ No

Limited Authority ✅ Yes

In Orange County, you’ll know your authority level from your Letters of Administration.

Timeline of required probate forms during a sale

1. File Petition for Probate → Receive court date

2. Get Letters issued → Start listing process

3. Complete Inventory & Appraisal → Establish sale price

4. Publish Notice of Sale (if limited authority)

5. Accept Offer → File for Confirmation Hearing (if needed)

6. Obtain Court Approval → Close escrow

Can a probate real estate agent help with the forms?

Absolutely. A qualified probate realtor can:

• Guide you through deadlines

• Coordinate with the probate attorney

• Ensure buyer disclosures are done correctly

• Help avoid costly mistakes that delay court approval

If you're selling a probate property in Orange County, we’ve walked families through this process step-by-step.

Contact us here for help.