What Is Form DE-260?
Form DE-260, Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale of Real Property, is the form that reports the terms of a court-supervised sale of estate real estate and asks the court to confirm it. The confirmation hearing is also where California's overbid process can play out, with other buyers allowed to raise the price in open court.
When & Where DE-260 Fits
You file DE-260 after accepting an offer on estate real property in a court-confirmed sale. Because this form often involves legal judgment, many people have a probate attorney prepare it. It sits in the selling estate property 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-260 (Free)
Get it free from the California Courts
DE-260 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-260 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
- Court-confirmed sales involve an overbid process — the accepted price isn't always final.
- Independent administration with a Notice of Proposed Action (DE-165) can avoid a confirmation hearing.
- This is attorney-heavy territory — get legal help.
Form DE-260 FAQ
Not sure you're filing DE-260 correctly?
This form involves legal judgment, and a rejected or mistaken filing can cost weeks. A California probate attorney can prepare the packet correctly — and the fee usually comes from the estate, not your pocket.