What Is Form DE-121?
Form DE-121, Notice of Petition to Administer Estate, is the notice that is both mailed to heirs and published in a newspaper so that anyone with a potential interest learns the probate case has been filed.
When & Where DE-121 Fits
You file DE-121 after filing the petition and before the hearing. Publication runs in a newspaper of general circulation, and the timing rules are strict. This form is often handled by self-represented filers, though an attorney can review it. It sits in the opening the estate stage of a California probate. For the full sequence of forms and steps, see the California probate guide and the documents checklist.
How to Get Form DE-121 (Free)
Get it free from the California Courts
DE-121 is an official Judicial Council form. Download the current version directly from the California Courts self-help form finder — you should never pay a third-party site for a form the court provides for free.
Official DE-121 on CA Courts →Fill it using Adobe Reader (some browsers won't save your entries), and always use the current mandatory revision, since clerks reject outdated versions. Many California counties require you to e-file through an approved provider — check your county's court page for local rules.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Publication has its own timing — missing it can force the hearing to be continued.
- Ask the clerk which local newspapers are court-adjudicated to publish legal notices.
- Publication typically costs $200–$500, paid to the newspaper, not the court.
Form DE-121 FAQ
Not sure you're filing DE-121 correctly?
A rejected filing can cost weeks, and personal-representative mistakes carry personal liability. A California probate attorney can prepare the packet correctly — and the fee usually comes from the estate, not your pocket.