Settling an Estate in California Probate Court is a much longer process than many states. Here the whole process can easily take 12 to 18 months whereas in other states it can be as short as a month or two. While it can be a long, frustrating process it does serve to help safeguard that the property is distributed as the Owner wished and that all “interested parties” are served.

During this time the Executor or Personal Representative has a wide range of duties. For more info see my page https://janeybishop.com/executors-duties-in-california-probate/ Since the process is so long it is very important to follow the steps and fulfill the duties, such as securing both the real and personal property during the entire process.

This is why it is important to have a Real Estate professional who is trained in the process and understands how to manage all of the activities that the Estate or Trust attorney does not manage.

Here is an overview of the Probate Timeline in California.

Step                                                                                        Duration

Prepare and File Petition for Probate 1-2 months
Court hearing on the Petition for Probate          2-3 months
The following are issued:  Letters of Administration, Orders for Probate, Duties and Liabilities, Issue Bond (if ordered), & **Letters  Testamentary ** 2-4 months (if not contested)
Notice to Creditors  2-4 months
Notice to Department of Health Services Inventory & Appraisement 4-8 months
Pay State and Federal Taxes (if necessary) 6-12 months
Allow or Reject Creditor Claims  
Possible Preliminary Distributions  
Notice to Department of Health Services (if deceased received medical)  
Notice to Franchise Tax Board (if heir is out of state)  
Claim of Exemption (if assets transfer to a minor) 6-15 months 
Receive Final Tax Letter from State and Federal (if appropriate) 6-18 months
File Petition for Final Distribution and Accounting 8-16 months
Hearing on Petition for final Distribution and Accounting      
Order Approving Final Distribution and Accounting  
Distribution of Assets to Heirs 9-17 months
Final Discharge Order (indicates close of probate case)        9-18 months
Final Distribution of Funds          9-18 months
This timeline is not legal advice and does not reflect slowdowns due to Court closures during Covid. Please consult your attorney for information specific to your case. More information available at https://www.courts.ca.gov/8865.htm

As you can see there are many activities in the Probate timeline that an Estate or Trust Attorney will help with but many others that a trained Real Estate professional will be a very useful resource. That is why I have completed the training to be a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist and Senior Real Estate Specialist.

For a free E-Book with even more helpful info https://probate.janeybishop.com/managing-probate-with-purpose/