The Los Angeles Superior court has released its top five (5) reasons for rejecting a probate filing in an effort to help improve the service offered to attorneys and prevent unnecessary rejections. Here they are!
Top Five Probate Rejection Reasons
- Subsequent document filed as a new case filing
Tip – If you have a case number already, use the File on Existing Case button / function when you e-file. - Case number used does not match case information
Tip – Double check to make sure you’ve input the correct case number, and you’ve uploaded the correct document. - Resubmit Proposed order after the hearing
Tip – Be patient, it can take up to two weeks for the court to sign and distributed proposed orders to attorneys and parties on the case. - Case coversheet needed as a separate document
Tip – As a general rule, for each document you expect to receive a file stamp, upload it as a separate PDF. Cover sheets get their own file stamp. - Document exempt from efiling; you must submit originals conventionally
Tip – Review the LA County Probate E-Filing FAQs for information regarding documents exempt from e-filing.
Other Noted Rejection Reasons in Probate e-Filings
- Wrong case category and/or type selected
Tip – Double check to make sure you’ve selected the correct case category, and you’ve uploaded the correct document. - Original petition, moving paper and/or accompanying documents rejected
Tip – If the court rejects the original petition, they can also reject any accompanying documents as well. - Incorrect District/Court Location
Tip – Double check to make sure you’ve selected the correct district or court at the beginning of the filing. - Form is obsolete or does not conform to CRC Rule 2.100 – 2.141
Tip – You can go to the court’s website at https://www.lacourt.org and download the latest forms. - Incorrect filing code selected
Tip – Double check to make sure you’ve selected the correct document type for your filing. - Unable to Process Incomplete Document
Tip – Make sure your documents are completely filled out before submission, and any fillable PDfs have been flattened. - Duplicate document submitted for filing
Tip – You can review previous court submissions by clicking the “Filing Status” link under the e-Filing screen, and then by selecting any accepted filing. There you can view the View File-Stamped version submitted to the court. - Incorrect fee amount
Tip – Double check to make sure you’ve selected the correct document type. The court assesses fees based on your document selection. Also make sure to select any necessary optional fees are selected in the Security & Optional Services section - Include the Court Reporter Optional Service Fee
Tip – In addition to the court fees assessed by document type, there can be optional service fees. Those fees, like the Court Reporter Optional Service Fee, are to be added by the filer in the Security & Optional Services section. - Receipts for Final Distribution Required
Tip – Make sure to submit all required documents for the filing in the same transaction or envelope. - Submit Proposed Order with Application/Petition
Tip – Make sure to submit your Proposed Order with your Application/Petition in the same transaction. - Document Defective
Tip – To fix corrupt or defective PDF files, recreate them using the original document; either save it to PDF, print it to PDF, or scan it to PDF. Then, resubmit the document. - Resubmit each document as a separate pdf in same envelope
Tip – A good rule of thumb is that for each document you expect the court to file stamp, upload it as its own PDF document.