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California Probate Deadlines: What to File and When

Two "later of" rules run through California probate deadlines — both designed to protect creditors who find out late, at the cost of predictability for everyone else.

California Probate Code

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Quick answer: the deadline that anchors most of the schedule is the 4-month creditor claim window, though it can run longer for any creditor notified late. See the full California probate timeline calculator for your specific estimate.

The core deadlines, in order

DeadlineCalifornia ruleStatute
Notice publishedOnce/week for 3 consecutive weeksProb. Code § 8120
Notice to known creditorsLater of 4 months from Letters, or 30 days from PR's knowledgeProb. Code § 9050, 9051
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 actionProb. Code § 10580-10592
Late-claim petition windowWithin 60 days of creditor's actual knowledgeProb. Code § 9103

Why California's creditor rules run "later of," not "earlier of"

Prob. Code § 9100: a creditor must file before the later of 4 months after Letters, or 60 days after they personally received notice. This structure deliberately favors creditors discovered or notified late — rather than cutting them off at the general 4-month mark, they still get a genuine 60 days to respond, which is why the practical creditor window can extend well past 4 months on estates where notice goes out gradually.

The IAEA notice period, separately

Apart from creditor deadlines, a personal representative with IAEA authority must give beneficiaries at least 15 days' notice before taking major action — selling real estate under full authority, for instance — via the Notice of Proposed Action. Beneficiaries can waive this notice to speed things along, but absent a waiver, each major transaction effectively carries its own 15-day clock.

Facing probate in California?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a California attorney

California probate deadlines — frequently asked questions

When is the California Inventory and Appraisal due?

Within 4 months of Letters being issued, under Probate Code § 8800. The probate referee, a court-appointed appraiser, values non-cash assets as part of this filing.

When must a California personal representative notify known creditors?

Within the later of 4 months after Letters are first issued, or 30 days after the personal representative first learns of the creditor, under Probate Code § 9050 and § 9051 — a rule designed so a creditor discovered late still gets real notice time.

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 personally delivered, under Probate Code § 9100. A creditor who never receives notice is generally barred one year after death under Code of Civil Procedure § 366.2.

How much notice does a Notice of Proposed Action require?

At least 15 days before the proposed action, under Probate Code § 10580-10592 — the mechanism that lets a personal representative with IAEA authority act on major transactions without a separate court hearing for each one.

Keep going

California Probate Timeline CalculatorYour estimate, based on your answers What Delays Probate in CaliforniaBeyond the statutory floor IAEA Full vs Limited AuthorityWhich one applies to your estate California Probate vs Living TrustWould a trust have avoided this?

Estimate for general guidance only, not legal advice. Based on Prob. Code § 8120, 8800, 9050, 9051, 9100, 9103, 10580-10592; Code Civ. Proc. § 366.2. Confirm current deadlines with the Superior Court or a licensed California attorney.