What Is Form DE-160?
Form DE-160, Inventory and Appraisal, is the itemized list of all estate assets and their values as of the date of death. Non-cash assets are valued by a court-appointed probate referee. The DE-161 attachment adds continuation pages.
When & Where DE-160 Fits
You file DE-160 within four months of your appointment as personal representative. This form is often handled by self-represented filers, though an attorney can review it. It sits in the administration 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-160 (Free)
Get it free from the California Courts
DE-160 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-160 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
- File within four months — late inventories draw court attention.
- Cash items you value yourself; the referee appraises everything else (fee is 0.1% of non-cash value).
- Use the DE-161 attachment for long asset lists.
Form DE-160 FAQ
Not sure you're filing DE-160 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.