Probate Examiner

Probate Examiner

Salary

$63,443.61 - $82,476.70 Annually

Location

All Ventura County Court Locations, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

2026-0416-Cont-YV

Unit

Legal Research Ventura

Opening Date

04/15/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DEFINITION

Ventura Superior Court is accepting applications to fill a vacancy and establish a list for future vacancies.

First Application Review: May 8, 2026

Under general supervision by the Legal Research Senior Attorney and the General Counsel/Director of Legal Services, incumbent in this classification performs diverse, complex and specialized probate assignments requiring the use of advanced specialized knowledge of Probate Code, applicable Rules of Court and Local Rules, and court policies, practices and procedures; reviews and processes complex probate documents, ensuring their completeness and compliance with all applicable legal requirements; answers questions from judicial officers, other court staff, litigants, attorneys and the public regarding probate requirements and legal processes and procedures. Performs related duties as assigned.

Probate Examiners provide paraprofessional legal assistance to one or more Probate Legal Research Attorneys and the assigned judicial officer. Incumbents in this classification are expected to apply probate statutes, rules, policies, procedures, and practices in carrying out complex and detailed processes, often involving the use of problem-solving skills to ensure all legal requirements are met and the rights of wards and conservatees and the interests of estates are faithfully observed. Incumbents are expected to correctly interpret and explain applicable legal requirements and judicial orders to court staff, litigants and attorneys. Work performed of substantive legal impact may be under the direction and technical review of one/or more Legal Research Probate Attorney(s).

TYPICAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews the documents in the court file, and determines the substantive and procedural status of the case.
• Audits accountings for mathematical accuracy, propriety of investments, compliance with law and prior court orders, and breach of fiduciary duties.
• Recommends appropriate surcharge, if applicable. Identifies relevant facts and potential harm to estates.
• Analyzes court investigator reports to identify relevant facts and findings; determines and recommends needs of wards and conservatees.
• Verifies accuracy and propriety of facts and acts reported in accountings, and recommends appropriate action.
• Evaluates propriety of proposed distribution of estates against decedents will and/or intestate succession, as applicable.
• Verifies licensing status with the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau for private conservator and guardians.
• Provides recommendations concerning what action should be taken by the court concerning each hearing, including whether petitions should be approved, denied, continued, or taken off the court calendar.
• Summarizes the subject of each hearing, including the relief being requested in the pleadings, whether that relief can be granted under law, and if not whether similar relief would be authorized by law.
• Recommends findings, sufficient bond, and setting of hearings or time standards as required by law and court procedures.
• Identifies procedural and substantive deficiencies in pleadings.
• Identifies factual or legal issues that the judicial officer must consider with reference to the documents, legal authority, or other factors to be considered.
• Updates probate workups, including those written by other court staff, based on new documents filed and new events that have occurred in the case.
• Reviews orders, both before and after the hearing, and recommends whether the order is appropriate or should be rejected or modified.
• Discusses probate workups with attorneys, litigants, and court staff as needed.
• Explains any document deficiencies and identifies acceptable methods to cure deficiencies.
• Prepares written analyses for the judicial officer.
• Attends (as directed) court hearings and provides consultation on procedural matters.
• Assists in preparation and presentation of continuing education materials to local entities, including county bar association.
• Maintains statistical data regarding work performed.
• Troubleshoots difficult and sensitive probate situations; acts as liaison between the probate department, other units, and departments involved in probate processes and courtroom staff.
• Complete assignments or tasks from the court's Legal Research Senior Attorney and General Counsel/Director of Legal Services and provides assistance and support to both, as needed.
• Accesses computerized case management systems and databases to retrieve information; makes complex updates to case records in automated case management systems; generates reports.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Option 1:

Education: Bachelors degree from an accredited educational institution; and

Experience: Two years of employment experience with a court, a public or private law office in a probate-related capacity; a public administrator, public guardian or public conservator; or a private professional fiduciary.

Option 2:

Education: A paralegal certificate or an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited educational institution; and

Experience: Four years of employment experience with a court, a public or private law office in a probate-related capacity; a public administrator, public guardian or public conservator; or a private professional fiduciary.

Option 3:

Education: A juris doctor degree from an educational institution approved by the American Bar Association or accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California; and

Experience: Six months of employment experience with a court, a public or private law office in a probate-related capacity; a public administrator, public guardian or public conservator; or a private professional fiduciary.

Substitutions: None

Additional continuing education: Requirements must be met annually pursuant to the criteria outlined in the California Rule of Court, rule 10.478.

Knowledge of:

• Legal authorities pertaining to the preparation, acceptance, and processing of probate documents, including provisions of the Probate Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Health and Safety Code, Family Code, California Rules of Court, Local Rules, and applicable case law; legal terminology and documents used in probate court proceedings; fiduciary accounting and auditing practices and procedures; investments authorized under the Probate Code; methods and sources for legal research;
• General functions and organization of the California judicial system, including the divisions of the Superior Court; the roles and functions of State and County agencies, and local organizations providing legal aid services; court policies and procedures governing probate operations; office administrative practices and procedures, including record keeping and filing; regulations and procedures governing the maintenance and disclosure of public records; use and operation of automated case management systems; case and file records research methods and techniques; principles and practices of customer service and e-mail and telephone etiquette; correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Read, understand, correctly interpret, explain and apply statutes, rules, legal terms, policies and procedures, forms, pleadings, judicial orders, accountings, and financial account statements in carrying out job assignments accurately and efficiently;
• Quickly locate applicable statutes in the Probate Code, including the appropriate division, part, and chapter controlling the applicable issue;
• Initiate and complete complex and detailed assignments with minimal supervision;
• Analyze complex data to correctly identify problems and develop valid conclusions;
• Stay up-to-date on new/developing laws, forms and legal information relevant to the assignment;
• Type at a level of speed and accuracy necessary to perform assigned duties;
• Operate a computer using standard business software and operate other standard office equipment;
• Work in an environment that includes frequent interruptions, simultaneous attention to multiple tasks and meeting established deadlines;
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, orally and in writing, in English and appropriate legal terminology;
• Respect limits of authority;
• Deal courteously, efficiently, and tactfully with the public, judges, attorneys, and personnel of the Superior Court and other County and State offices;
• Maintain confidentiality of court documents and records;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with judicial officers, court staff, other agency employees, members of the public and others encountered in the course of work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS WITH OR WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in an environment that includes frequent interruptions and simultaneous attention to multiple tasks.
• Ability to grasp and/or manipulate files, binders, pieces of paper or small objects.
• Ability to prepare or inspect court records, documents or office equipment.
• Frequent hand, fingers and/or wrist motion.
• Reaching at or above shoulder level.
• Ability to communicate effectively, by phone or in person, to understand and/or convey detailed important information or instruction.
• Ability to work alone or closely with others.
• Minimal bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, or working on irregular surfaces.
• May require movement throughout the courthouse delivering and/or retrieving forms, files, materials and information to and from other departments, including lifting file boxes, files or binders up to 10 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Shared office environment with varying degrees of hot and cold air.
• Requires exposure to dust, printer or fax machine toner.
• Requires ability to travel to other court locations.
• Must be able to traverse indoors and outdoors, over uneven ground and pavement in all types of weather.
• Frequent interruptions, with high volume of telephone and personal interaction.

IMPORTANT RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

DEADLINE DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED. First Application Review - May 8, 2026

TO APPLY: Please visit our website at www.ventura.courts.ca.gov. For consideration, please apply online. Please contact Court Human Resources at (805) 289-8618 if you are unable to access the application online or discuss required accommodation. This recruitment is continuous and may be closed without notice upon receipt of sufficient number of qualified applicants.

This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for full time, part time, regular, extra-help or fixed term positions.

APPLICATION EVALUATION: All applications received will be evaluated based on the requirements of the position. A comparative screening will be conducted to determine which of the applicants will be selected for invitation to the next step of the screening and selection process. Those individuals who are invited to continue to the next step in the screening and selection process will be contacted via the email address they provided in their application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: All applicants are required to complete the Supplemental Questionnaire for this examination. The Supplemental Questionnaire shall be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicants qualifications and eligibility for this position.

INTERVIEW PROCESS: The interviews may be consolidated into one process or expanded into multiple interviews contingent upon the size and quantity of the candidate pool. Following the evaluation of the applications, the most qualified candidates may be invited to an oral board panel interview. If an oral board panel interview is conducted, top candidates from the oral board panel interview will be invited to interview with the hiring director, hiring executive officer and/or members of the court executive management team. Tentative interview date: TBD

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must possess the personal qualifications generally recognized as essential to being an outstanding public employee, including integrity, initiative, dependability, courtesy, good judgment and ability to work with others as a team and follow instructions.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants may be subjected to a thorough background investigation, which may include personal and professional character references, inquiry into past employment, education, credit, criminal background and depending on the position, may include driving records. Please note that the pre-employment background process will include any interaction you may have from the application process through the time that you are provided a final offer of employment. Offer of employment may be rescinded at any time during the pre-employment background check process if the process determines that the applicant is not a good fit for the position.

In addition to your wages, the Superior Court of California, Superior Court of California, County of Ventura offers you an extensive benefits package, including:

• FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PROGRAM: You allocate the Court's non-taxable biweekly contribution among several benefit options, such as Medical, Dental and Vision benefits. Pre-tax Salary Reduction available if the costs for the benefits package you select exceed the Superior Court of California, County of Venturas contribution. This saves you taxes by lowering your taxable income. Cash added to your biweekly taxable pay, depending on the selection you have made.
• FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Increase your spending power by reimbursing you with pre-taxed dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• ANNUAL LEAVE: Annual leave is earned according to policy and guideline set forth by the court.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM: 401(k) and 457 Deferred Comp programs are available to eligible employees.
• RETIREMENT
• REFER TO BENEFITS HANDBOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/careers.html

This summary is informational only, and cannot modify or affect your benefits in any way, nor shall you accrue any rights because of a statement or omission from this summary. Please refer to Plan Brochures and Memorandum of Agreement or Resolution for details.

01

The information you provide on this questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the selection process and may also be used in a competitive evaluation of qualifications. Be as specific as possible and include all information requested. If you do not have experience in an area, please answer "N/A". Statements such as "see application," will not be accepted in lieu of a response. All employers referenced on this questionnaire must be listed on your application. Do you understand these instructions?

• Yes
• No

02

Select the qualifications that reflect your experience/education.

• A B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited educational institution and a minimum of two years experience employed with a Court, a public or private law office, a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private profession fiduciary.
• A paralegal certificate or an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited educational institution and a minimum of four years employment experience with a Court, a public or private law office, a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private profession fiduciary.
• A juris doctor degree from an educational institution approved by the American Bar Association or accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California and a minimum of six months employment experience with a Court, a public or private law office, a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private profession fiduciary.
• None of the above

03

Describe any experience you have reviewing probate files, including: calendared and ex parte conservatorship, guardianship, trust and estate matters for procedural and technical deficiencies. Include the name of the employer, position held and dates of employment for each job included. If you have no experience in this area, indicate "N/A."

04

Describe any experience you have researching and applying State and Local Rules of Court and California Probate Code. Include the name of the employer, position held and dates of employment for each job included. If you have no experience in this area, indicate "N/A."

05

Describe any experience you have reviewing probate accounting. Include the name of the employer, position held and dates of employment for each job included. If you have no experience in this area, indicate "N/A."

06

Describe any experience you have summarizing estate, trust, conservatorship and/or guardianship petitions and making appropriate recommendations. Include the name of the employer, position held and dates of employment for each job included. If you have no experience in this area, indicate "N/A."

07

Describe any experience you have working with Judicial Officers, attorneys and probate staff. Please include the name of the employer, position held and the dates of employment for each job included. In addition, summarize the nature of your professional relationship and your role. If you have no experience in this area, indicate "N/A."

Required Question

Employer Superior Court of California, County of Ventura

Address 800 South Victoria Avenue, Hall of Justice

Mailing Address: PO Box 6489

Ventura, California, 93009-6489

Phone (805) 289-8500

Website http://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/careers.html