What is the timeline for probate in California?

Asked by: Ms. Donna Von III  |  Last update: October 3, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (31 votes)

California law mandates that probate be completed within one year of an executor or administrator being appointed to their role by the court. Typically it takes 12 to 18 months, though, and large or complex estates can take even longer. Executors or administrators can file extensions to resolve any complications.

How long does it take to go through probate in California?

California law rules that the personal representative should have completed probate within 1 year of being appointed executor, administrator, or personal representative of an estate. However, as a general rule of thumb - the probate process will take anywhere from 9-18 months, with some exceptions.

How long after probate granted will I get my money in California?

Q: How Long After Probate Is Granted Will It Take to Get My Inheritance in California? A: The representative of the estate is required to get you your money within one year of the beginning of the probate process. If a federal estate tax is filed as part of the probate process, the deadline extends to 18 months.

What are the steps of probate in California?

As an overall process, you are working toward two court hearings, widely separated in time, by A) Getting all the documents and interested parties together for the First Probate Hearing, B) Getting the authority to act on behalf of the estate at the first hearing, known as The Probate Hearing, C) Taking control of the ...

How long can an executor take to settle an estate in California?

In California, an executor, also known as a personal representative, generally has one year from their appointment date to complete probate. However, if a federal estate tax is filed, this timeline extends to 18 months.

What's the Timeline for a California Probate?

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How long can an executor withhold money from a beneficiary in California?

How Long Can an Executor Withhold Funds From a Beneficiary? Typically, there is no set time limit to how long an executor can hold funds from a beneficiary. The executor must maintain communication with the heirs to update them on the status of the distribution of their assets.

How much does an executor get for probate in California?

California has one of the most detailed schemes, which provides that the executor fee is four percent of the first $100,000 of the estate, three percent of the next $100,000, two percent of the next $800,000, one percent on the next $9 million, one-half of one percent on the next $15 million, and a “reasonable amount" ...

Who gets paid first in probate in California?

The sequence personal representatives follow

Under California probate laws, payment should be made in the following order: Debts to the U.S. government and the state of California. Estate administration expenses. Secured obligations.

How long do you have to transfer property after death in California?

A: In California, the timeframe for transferring property after death can vary depending on several factors, such as whether the estate goes through probate, utilizes a trust, or qualifies for a simple transfer process. Generally, the process can take between 7 months and 12 months from the time the petition is filed.

What assets are exempt from probate in California?

Real or personal property that the person who died owned with someone else (joint tenancy) Property (community, quasi-community, or separate) that passed directly to the surviving spouse or domestic partner. Life insurance, death benefits or other assets not subject to probate that pass directly to the beneficiaries.

How do I know when probate is over?

Appointing an Executor

This individual also initiates the process to prove the will is valid. Once the probate court determines the will's validity, the executor receives testamentary letters. At this point, the probate timeline ends, and the estate has officially completed the process.

What is the order of heirs in California?

The order of priority is any surviving spouse or domestic partner, then a child, then a grandchild, then a parent, and then a sibling.

How is money distributed in probate?

The probate court will assess what assets need to be distributed among the legal heirs and how to distribute them. The probate laws in most states divide property among the surviving spouse and children of the deceased. Asset transfer to the government is known as escheatment.

How long after probate can funds be distributed in California?

In other words, heirs receive their inheritance at the end of the probate proceeding. Generally, this is at least 10-18 months after the probate petition is initially filed with the court. Once the judge has issued the order for distribution, estate heirs can expect to receive an inheritance check within a few weeks.

What is the longest time probate can take?

Probate Court is different for everyone. No two people are the same, and no two Wills are the same. If the Estate has just a few assets and little debt, you can expect a more straightforward process. Otherwise, Probate can take anywhere from 9 months to several years.

Who pays for probate in California?

Typically, these fees are paid out of the estate. But, usually, the personal representative will need to pay them upfront and get paid back from the estate later.

How long do you have to clear a house after someone dies?

There is no set time for when a house needs to be cleared. It is the responsibility of the deceased's family to ensure all items are removed from the property. Once this is done, the house can be sold, with the proceeds then being distributed to all designated heirs.

What not to do when someone dies?

What Not to Do When Someone Dies: 10 Common Mistakes
  1. Not Obtaining Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate.
  2. 2- Delaying Notification of Death.
  3. 3- Not Knowing About a Preplan for Funeral Expenses.
  4. 4- Not Understanding the Crucial Role a Funeral Director Plays.
  5. 5- Letting Others Pressure You Into Bad Decisions.

What happens if you don't file probate in California?

Risk of Estate Taxes and Liens

Without probate, the estate may face unresolved tax issues, leading to additional financial liability for the heirs. The estate might also face liens or claims from creditors that could have been resolved through the probate process.

Can an executor decide who gets what?

While executors have discretion in some areas, your core decision-making is bounded by: The deceased's will. You must follow their distribution wishes rather than diverging based on your own judgments.

Can a house be sold while in probate in California?

In conclusion, yes, property can be sold during probate in California under certain circumstances. It's important to understand which properties can be sold through probate and follow all necessary procedures to ensure a smooth process. Working with an experienced attorney like those at John D.

Is it illegal to keep utilities in a deceased person's name?

Yes, that is fraud. Someone should file a probate case on the deceased person.

How much does a lawyer charge for probate?

You can get an idea of how high these fees are by looking at California's statutory fee schedule. For "ordinary" services, a lawyer can collect: 4% of the first 100,000 of the gross value of the probate estate. 3% of the next $100,000.

How long does the executor have to pay the beneficiaries in California?

While beneficiaries typically receive distributions 12 to 18 months after probate begins, the executor must pay beneficiaries promptly after receiving court approval—often within 30 to 60 days.

Why is California probate so expensive?

The cost of probate in California generally has several components to it. Some of the more common costs include compensation for the personal representative and their attorney, extraordinary fees and appraisal fees.