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DE-172
California Judicial Council Probate Form

Creditor's Claim

Form DE-172 is the form a creditor uses to file a claim for money owed by the decedent, during the estate's creditor claim period. Below: what it does, when and how to file it, where to get it free, and the mistakes that get filings rejected. For the whole process, see our California probate guide.

DE-172 at a Glance

FormDE-172
StageCreditors
TypeMandatory
CostFree
SourceCA Courts

What Is Form DE-172?

Form DE-172, Creditor's Claim, is the form a creditor uses to file a claim for money owed by the decedent, during the estate's creditor claim period.

When to file
by a creditor, within the claim period after notice is given or publication occurs.
Who files it
the creditor (or the personal representative, filing a claim they're aware of).
Mandatory?
Mandatory form
Cost
Free from the court

When & Where DE-172 Fits

You file DE-172 by a creditor, within the claim period after notice is given or publication occurs. This form is often handled by self-represented filers, though an attorney can review it. It sits in the creditors 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-172 (Free)

Get it free from the California Courts

DE-172 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-172 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

  • A creditor who misses the claim period generally loses the claim.
  • The personal representative responds with DE-174 to allow or reject it.
  • Keep documentation supporting or disputing the amount.

Form DE-172 FAQ

Form DE-172 (Creditor's Claim) is an official California Judicial Council form, and it's free. Download it directly from the California Courts self-help form finder at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov (search 'DE-172'). Never pay a third-party website for a form the court provides for free. Use Adobe Reader to fill it — some browsers won't save your entries. Always use the current mandatory revision, because clerks reject outdated versions.
DE-172 is a mandatory Judicial Council form. Mandatory forms must be used exactly as published, and a filing that uses an outdated revision or a substitute can be rejected by the clerk. Local courts sometimes require additional local forms, so confirm your county's probate packet before filing.
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Not sure you're filing DE-172 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.

Find a CA Probate Attorney →