What Is Form DE-147?
Form DE-147, Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative, is the form the personal representative signs to acknowledge, in writing, the legal duties and potential personal liability of the role. A confidential companion, DE-147S, collects the representative's contact information.
When & Where DE-147 Fits
You file DE-147 with the petition (DE-111) at the opening of the case. 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-147 (Free)
Get it free from the California Courts
DE-147 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-147 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
- Read it carefully — you are acknowledging real fiduciary duties and personal liability for mistakes.
- File the confidential supplement DE-147S with your contact details.
- These duties are why many executors hire a probate attorney.
Form DE-147 FAQ
Not sure you're filing DE-147 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.