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DE-157Mandatory

Notice of Administration to Creditors

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2013

This form is a notice sent to people who might be owed money or property from someone who has passed away. It tells these people that someone has started managing the deceased person's estate and explains how and when they must file a claim against the estate.

The court describes it as: Tells those to whom a deceased person owes money or other property (creditors) who has been appointed as the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate and that the representative has started managing the estate. Also provides creditors with information about how and when to make a claim against the estate and what may happen if they do not file a claim on time.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This form is used by the personal representative who has been appointed to manage a deceased person's estate to officially notify potential creditors.

Prepared by the court or clerk.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

What is this form for?
This form is a Notice of Administration to Creditors, which tells people who are owed money from a deceased person's estate that the estate is being managed. It also tells them how and when to file a claim.
What must I do if I am a creditor?
Creditors must file their claim with the court clerk and mail or deliver a copy to the personal representative before certain deadlines. Failing to file a claim can invalidate it.
Do I need a separate form to file my claim?
If a Creditor's Claim form (DE-172) was not included with this notice, you can get a copy from any superior court clerk or from the person who sent you this notice.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2013.

Related forms

  • DE-172

    Creditor's Claim

    This form is used by someone who is owed money or property by a deceased person's estate to formally file a claim with the court. It asks the claimant to list the details of the debt and sign a statement confirming the information is true.

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  • POS-020

    Proof of Personal Service—Civil (Proof of Service) / Information Sheet for Proof of Personal Service—Civil

    This form is used to tell the court that certain legal papers in a civil case were delivered in person to a person. It asks the person filing it to list what papers were served, who received them, where, and when.

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    Attachment to Proof of Personal Service—Civil (Persons Served)

    This form is an attachment used with the main Proof of Personal Service form. It provides extra space to list the names and addresses of people who were personally given legal papers in a civil case.

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  • DE-147

    Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative

    This form explains the responsibilities and legal duties of a personal representative managing a deceased person's estate. It outlines rules for handling estate money, keeping records, and filing required documents with the court.

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    Letters

    This form is used by people officially appointed as personal representatives of an estate. It serves to prove to others that the person has been officially appointed by the court to handle the estate's duties.

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    This form is used to tell the court what property belongs to an estate and to estimate the value of that property. It requires the person in charge of the estate to list and appraise the assets.

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    Maximum Values For Small Estate Set-Aside & Disposition of Estate Without Administration

    This form lists the maximum dollar amounts for a deceased person's estate or specific property. It helps determine if the estate qualifies for certain types of handling, such as setting the estate aside for a surviving spouse and minor children, or handling the estate without a full court administration.

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  • CD-170

    Order for Release and Redelivery of Property

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