Most California trust and estate litigation occurs in the probate department of the Superior Court, where the assigned judge manages and ultimately decides disputes. Generally, there is no right to a jury trial so the outcome in contested cases rests with the judge, often supported by court staff who conduct file review and legal research.
The first quarter of 2017 brings changes in the assigned judges at the probate departments in Placer County Superior Court and Yolo County Superior Court, while there is continuity at Sacramento County Superior Court.