Inheriting a property in California? One of the first questions most people ask is: “How long is this probate process going to take?” And it’s a fair concern—because the truth is, probate in California can drag on for months… sometimes even years. But there’s good news: in some cases, you can speed things up.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how long probate typically takes in California, what factors affect the timeline, and what shortcuts (legal ones!) might be available to help you move faster—especially if you’re trying to sell the home. If you’re new to the probate process, be sure to check out our complete guide to selling a house in probate in California—it covers everything from court timelines to how to sell an inherited property the smart way.
⏳ So, How Long Does Probate Take in California?
The average probate case in California takes 9 to 18 months to complete. But timelines can vary based on the complexity of the estate, whether there’s a will, and if any heirs decide to contest it.
General Timeline Breakdown:
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| File Petition to Open Probate | 2–4 weeks |
| Initial Court Hearing | 4–6 weeks after filing |
| Administer Estate | 4–12 months |
| Final Accounting + Close | 2–3 months |
Total: 9–18 months, though contested cases can take much longer—sometimes 2+ years.
📚 Real-Life Example: Maria’s Probate Case in San Bernardino
Maria inherited her uncle’s property in San Bernardino after he passed away without a will. She expected to sell it within a few months—but ended up waiting over a year due to delays in getting court approval, tracking down old debts, and coordinating with an out-of-state sibling.
The whole thing took 14 months—and Maria said the worst part was not knowing what she could or couldn’t do along the way.
⚠️ What Slows Down the Probate Process?
Here are the most common roadblocks:
- Missing or Incomplete Documents
If the will is unclear or there’s no trust in place, things get complicated fast. - No Will = Longer Process
When someone dies intestate (without a will), the court must follow California’s intestate succession laws to figure out who inherits what. - Disputes Among Heirs
If someone contests the will or fights over assets, the process can come to a grinding halt. If you are experiencing a dispute among heirs, make sure to check out our article, “What to Do If Heirs Don’t Agree on Selling the House in California“. - Debts or Creditors
The estate must pay off all debts before heirs receive anything. That takes time. - Court Backlogs
Especially in places like Los Angeles and San Diego, court schedules are busy. That alone can add weeks (or months) of waiting time.
🏃 Can You Speed Up Probate in California?
Yes—there are some legal ways to move things along faster, depending on your situation.
✅ 1. Use the Small Estate Affidavit (Probate Code §13100)
If the estate is worth less than $184,500 (as of 2025), you may qualify to skip formal probate altogether by filing a small estate affidavit. Plus, new laws starting 2025 state that the limits will also be raised that to $208,850, under AB 2016 – helping even more families avoid probate.
Example:
Jeremy inherited a mobile home and a small savings account totaling $150,000. Instead of going through full probate, he submitted the affidavit and was able to transfer the title in under 60 days.
💡 Note: This doesn’t apply if real property is worth over the limit—so it’s great for bank accounts or personal property.
✅ 2. Sell the Home During Probate (with Court or Independent Approval)
If you’re the executor or administrator, you may be able to sell the house during probate (yes, even before it’s fully closed), especially if you’re granted full authority under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (IAEA).
This is a huge benefit if:
- You need to pay off debts
- You want to avoid additional property taxes or maintenance
- Heirs want to split cash instead of co-owning a home
Tip: If you don’t have full authority, you’ll need to go through court confirmation, which adds time—but it’s still doable.
✅ 3. Work with a Probate-Savvy Cash Buyer
Companies like Mrs. Property Solutions can walk you through the process, help you with paperwork, and buy the property as-is, with no realtor fees, repairs, or clean-outs required.
Example:
Cynthia had her mom’s house sitting in probate for months. Once she was granted administrator status, she worked with us, and we were able to buy the house before probate officially closed—putting $475,000 in her hands and giving her a much-needed fresh start.
📈 Quick Stat: Why It Pays to Act Fast
According to the California Association of Realtors, homes that sit vacant for 6+ months typically lose 5–10% of their resale value due to deferred maintenance, vandalism risk, and market shifts. That’s tens of thousands lost just by waiting.
💬 Final Thoughts
Probate in California isn’t always quick—but knowing what to expect and planning ahead can make a huge difference.
Here’s the key takeaway:
If you’re inheriting a home and want to sell it, you don’t have to wait until the end of probate—especially if you’re working with an experienced cash buyer who knows the ins and outs of California law. If you need help selling an inherited home during probate, make sure to check out our full guide to selling inherited properties in Los Angeles.
📞 Need help navigating probate or want a no-obligation cash offer?
Call or text us at (602) 376-8391, or fill out our form to get started today.