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California Probate Timeline Calculator

A year or more is normal for California probate — court backlogs, the four-month creditor window, and whether your estate has IAEA full authority all shape how long it actually takes.

Based on Prob. Code § 8800, 9050, 9100, 10400-10406 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Your California probate

Pick the options that match your estate — the estimate updates instantly.

Estimated timeline in California
12–18 months
Full IAEA authority, typical county, no real estate sale
What is IAEA authority? →
Facing probate in California?

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California's probate timeline, at a glance

MilestoneCalifornia ruleSource
Notice to known creditorsLater of 4 months from Letters, or 30 days from PR's knowledgeProb. Code § 9050, 9051
Notice publishedOnce/week for 3 consecutive weeksProb. Code § 8120
Inventory and Appraisal dueWithin 4 months of LettersProb. Code § 8800
Creditor claim deadlineLater of 4 months from Letters, or 60 days from mailed noticeProb. Code § 9100
Absolute bar (no notice given)Generally 1 year from date of deathCode Civ. Proc. § 366.2
Notice of Proposed Action (IAEA)At least 15 days before the proposed actionProb. Code § 10580-10592

California probate timeline — frequently asked questions

How long does probate take in California?

Typically 12 to 18 months, and often longer in busy counties like Los Angeles. The estate must stay open at least 4 months for the creditor claim period, and the Inventory and Appraisal is due within 4 months of Letters — after that, the Final Accounting and Petition for Distribution process usually adds several more months.

How long do California creditors have to file a claim?

The later of 4 months after Letters are first issued, or 60 days after notice of administration is mailed or delivered to that creditor, under Probate Code § 9100. Without proper notice, an unknown creditor's claim is generally barred one year after death.

What is IAEA authority in California probate?

The Independent Administration of Estates Act lets a personal representative handle most estate actions without a separate court hearing for each one, using a 15-day Notice of Proposed Action instead. Full authority additionally allows selling real estate without court confirmation; limited authority still requires court approval for real property sales.

Why is California probate slower than most states?

A combination of court backlogs in busy counties, the mandatory 4-month creditor and notice periods, and a Final Accounting and Petition for Distribution process that typically doesn't begin until after the creditor period closes.

California probate tools & guides

California Probate DeadlinesEvery statutory date, with citations What Delays Probate in CaliforniaThe real causes, beyond the baseline IAEA Full vs Limited AuthorityWhich one applies to your estate California Probate vs Living TrustWould a trust have avoided this?

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on California statute (Prob. Code § 8120, 8800, 9050, 9051, 9100, 10400-10592; Code Civ. Proc. § 366.2). Actual timelines depend on the specific Superior Court's calendar, whether the estate is contested, and how quickly the personal representative files. Confirm current timelines with the Superior Court or a licensed California attorney before acting.