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DE-140Mandatory

Order for Probate

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 1998

This form is used by the court to officially write down a decision about who will manage the property and money of a person who has passed away. It names the person in charge and lists what powers that person has to handle the estate.

The court describes it as: States the courts decision (order) appointing the personal representative of an estate (the executor of the deceased person’s will or the administrator appointed by the court to manage the estate of a deceased person who did not have a will) and listing powers and responsibilities of the representative.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Judgment

Stage: Judgment

This form is used during the probate process when the court needs to formally appoint a personal representative, such as an executor or administrator, to manage the deceased person's estate.

Prepared by the court or clerk.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
The court fills out this form to record its official decision regarding the estate. Great care must be taken with the dates and names listed.
What does this form do?
It states the court's decision about who is appointed as the personal representative for the estate. It also lists the specific powers that person has.
Is there a fee mentioned?
The form mentions that a bond might be required, and there are sections for deposits, but it does not state a general filing fee.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 1998.

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