How Long Does Probate Take in California?

The step-by-step California probate timeline — and why heirs wait so long for their inheritance.

One of the first questions heirs ask is simple: how long is this going to take? In California, a formal probate typically runs nine months to eighteen months, and complex or contested estates can stretch to two years or more. Here is why it takes so long and what the timeline looks like.

The short answer

Even a straightforward California probate rarely closes in under about eight months, largely because state law requires a four-month creditor claim period that cannot be skipped. Add court scheduling, appraisals, and the sale of any real estate, and a year or more is common.

The California probate timeline, step by step

File the petition (weeks 1–6). A petition for probate is filed with the Superior Court in the county where the deceased lived, and a first hearing is set — often 4 to 8 weeks out.
Appoint the personal representative (month 1–2). The court appoints the executor or administrator and issues Letters, giving them authority to act.
Notify creditors and inventory the estate (months 2–6). Creditors get at least four months to file claims. Meanwhile a court-appointed probate referee appraises the assets.
Pay debts, taxes, and sell property (months 4–12+). Valid claims and taxes are paid; if a home must be sold, that adds time.
Final distribution (months 9–18+). The representative petitions to close, and only then do heirs receive their share.

The key point for heirs: you usually cannot receive your inheritance until near the very end — even though bills tied to the estate start on day one.

What makes California probate take longer

Selling an inherited home (especially a court-confirmed sale)
Disagreements among heirs or a will contest
Hard-to-value assets or estate tax issues
A busy court — timelines vary by county

Because probate is handled county by county, local court scheduling matters. You can see the court and filing location for your area on our California locations pages.

What heirs can do while they wait

You do not always have to wait out the full timeline to access your money. An inheritance advance gives you a portion of your expected inheritance now — often within 24 hours — and is settled from the estate when probate closes. There is no credit check and no repayment out of your pocket. See also our guide to getting money before probate closes.

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This article is general information about inheritance advances, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Eligibility and advance amounts vary by case. Inheritance advances are not loans.