Table of Contents

DE-120: Notice of Hearing (California)

The DE-120 Notice of Hearing form is used when you need to inform interested parties about a scheduled court hearing related to a decedent's estate or trust in California probate cases.
Official {court-form-name} PDF Download

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Tips for filling out form DE-120

When completing form DE-120, pay special attention to these less obvious sections:

Accommodations Request

Accessibility Preparations

If accommodations are needed for the hearing, such as assistive listening devices or a sign language interpreter, remember to request these at least five days before the hearing date. This can be done by contacting the clerk's office directly.
Item 1

Petition Description

When specifying the petition, application, report, or account filed, ensure to provide a full title and a brief description. It's important to include all relevant details so that recipients understand exactly what is being addressed or requested in the hearing.
Item 2

Accurate Hearing Details

Double-check the hearing date, time, room, and department. These details are crucial for all parties involved to ensure they arrange to attend the hearing. Confirm these details with the court if there is any uncertainty.
Proof of Service

Mailing Verification

When completing the Proof of Service by Mail section, it's vital to follow your business's standard mailing procedures to ensure documents are correctly mailed and filed. Remember to attach the petition or document referred to in item 1 of the Notice to each copy being mailed.

What to do after filing form DE-120

1
Confirm the hearing details: Ensure that you have the correct date, time, and location for the hearing as specified in the Notice of Hearing form you filed.
2
Serve Notice: Properly serve the notice to all interested parties, such as heirs, beneficiaries, and any other person entitled to receive it. Check if Proof of Service by Mail (DE-120(MA)/GC-020(MA)) is needed.
3
Prepare for the Hearing: Gather any supporting documents you might need to present at the hearing, and prepare any statements or arguments related to your petition or report.
4
Follow-up with Interested Parties: Confirm that all parties have acknowledged receipt of the notice and address any concerns or objections they might raise before the hearing.
5
Attend the Hearing: Make sure to attend the hearing on the scheduled date and time. Be prepared to answer questions from the court and present any further information if required.
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