Kathy Minella

When a loved one passes away, families are often surprised to learn that having a Will does not automatically avoid court involvement. In California, a Will typically must go through a legal process known as probate before assets can be distributed to beneficiaries.

Probate can feel like an added burden during an already difficult time. But understanding what the process actually involves — and what to expect at each stage — can make it considerably more manageable.

This guide explains what probate means in California, when it is required, how the process unfolds, and what families should realistically expect along the way.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the court-supervised process of administering a deceased person’s estate. When someone dies with a Will, probate serves several functions:

•       Legally validating the Will
•       Ensuring debts and taxes are paid from estate assets
•       Authorizing the distribution of remaining assets to beneficiaries

It is a common misconception that a Will avoids probate. In reality, a Will directs how assets should be distributed — but probate is the legal process that makes that distribution official and court-sanctioned. Even when someone dies without a Will, probate still occurs; assets are simply distributed according to California’s intestate succession laws instead.

Note on small estates: Not every estate requires formal probate. If the total gross value of probate assets is $184,500 or less, a simplified Small Estate Affidavit procedure may be available instead of the full court process.

When Is Probate Required in California?

Probate is generally required when the deceased person owned assets solely in their own name and the gross value of those assets exceeds California’s small estate threshold.

Assets that typically require probate include:

•       Real estate titled solely in the decedent’s name
•       Bank accounts without a payable-on-death designation
•       Investment accounts without a named beneficiary
•       Personal property exceeding the small estate threshold

Assets that typically avoid probate include:

•       Assets held in a properly funded living trust
•       Jointly owned property with right of survivorship
•       Life insurance and retirement accounts with named beneficiaries
•       Bank and investment accounts with payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations

Understanding which assets are subject to probate is an important first step in assessing what the process will involve.

Phase 1: Opening the Case  —  typically months 1–2

The process begins with locating documents and filing the initial paperwork with the probate court.

Locate the Will: California law requires the person in possession of the original Will to file it with the county court within 30 days of the death. The original, signed document is required — copies are generally not accepted.

File the Petition for Probate: You or your attorney file a Petition asking the court to do two things: admit the Will as valid and appoint you formally as the Executor.

Initial Hearing: Once the Petition is filed, the court sets a hearing date, typically 6 to 10 weeks out.

Notice Requirements: You must publish a notice of the hearing in a local newspaper and mail notice to everyone named in the Will, as well as all legal heirs. This step is mandatory regardless of how straightforward the estate appears.

Phase 2: Taking Control of the Estate  —  typically months 2–6

After the judge signs the order at the initial hearing, you receive your Letters Testamentary — the official court document that authorizes you to act on behalf of the estate. Banks, title companies, and government agencies require this document before they will allow you to access or transfer estate assets.

Inventory and Appraisal: You must prepare a complete inventory of everything the decedent owned. A court-appointed Probate Referee will then assign fair market values to non-cash assets such as real property, vehicles, and jewelry.

Notice to Creditors: You must formally notify all known creditors and the California Department of Health Care Services.

The Four-Month Creditor Window: Once you are appointed as Executor, creditors have four months to file claims against the estate. This mandatory waiting period is one of the primary reasons probate cannot be shortened significantly.

Phase 3: Administration and Taxes  —  typically months 6–12

During this phase, you are managing the estate’s financial affairs — paying what is owed and preparing to distribute what remains.

Paying Valid Debts: Estate funds are used to pay valid creditor claims, funeral expenses, and administrative costs.

Managing and Selling Assets: This may include selling real property. In California, probate sales of real estate typically require court approval and follow a specific process that can add several months to the timeline.

Tax Filings: You must file a final individual income tax return for the decedent and, depending on the size of the estate, an income tax return for the estate itself during administration.

Phase 4: Closing and Distribution  —  typically months 12–18

Once debts are resolved and taxes are addressed, the estate is ready to close.

Final Accounting: You provide the court and the beneficiaries with a detailed accounting of all income received and expenses paid during administration. Beneficiaries have the opportunity to review and object.

Petition for Final Distribution: You file a petition asking the judge to approve the final distribution of assets to the beneficiaries and to approve compensation for the Executor and the attorney.

Order of Distribution: Once the judge signs the order, you may distribute the remaining assets and transfer titles to beneficiaries.

What Does Probate Cost in California?

California probate fees are set by statute — they are calculated based on the gross value of the estate, not the net value. This means that if a home is worth $800,000 but has a $400,000 mortgage, the statutory fee is calculated on the full $800,000.

Both the attorney and the Executor are entitled to the same statutory fee, calculated as follows:

•       4% of the first $100,000
•       3% of the next $100,000
•       2% of the next $800,000
•       1% of the next $9,000,000

The table below shows total statutory fees at common estate values:

These figures do not include court filing fees, publication costs, or probate referee appraisal fees, which typically add $3,000–$5,000 or more depending on the estate’s complexity.

One clarification worth noting: because statutory fees are paid at the end of the case out of estate assets, most probate attorneys do not require a large upfront retainer. Costs are covered from the estate itself upon court approval.

Common Complications

Many probate cases proceed without significant issues. However, certain circumstances can add time and complexity to the process:

•       Will contests or challenges to the document’s validity
•       Disputes among beneficiaries or between beneficiaries and the Executor
•       Allegations of undue influence or lack of capacity at the time the Will was signed
•       Real estate that must be sold through the court-supervised process
•       Creditor claims that are disputed
•       Missing, incomplete, or inconsistent estate planning documents

Organized financial records, a clearly drafted Will, and consistent beneficiary designations significantly reduce the likelihood of these complications arising.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Probate is not inherently a negative process — it is the legal framework California uses to ensure that debts are paid and assets are distributed fairly when certain conditions are met. What it is, however, is procedural, time-sensitive, and detail-oriented.

Families going through probate should expect:

•       Formal court involvement with multiple required filings
•       Mandatory waiting periods, particularly for creditor claims
•       A process that typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete
•       Real administrative responsibilities for the person serving as Executor
•       Costs that are meaningful, particularly for estates involving real estate

Having a clear picture of what the process involves — and what each phase requires — makes it considerably easier to manage.

Immediate Next Steps If Probate Is Required

If you have recently lost a loved one and believe their estate will need to go through probate, here are the most important things to do right away:

1.     Secure the property: if the decedent owned real estate, ensure it is locked, insured, and maintained. Notify the homeowner’s insurance carrier of the death.
2.     Order death certificates: you will need multiple certified copies — typically 8 to 10 — for banks, title companies, government agencies, and other institutions.
3.     Locate the original Will: check safe deposit boxes, home files, and the decedent’s attorney’s office. The original is required.
4.     Consult a probate attorney: an experienced California probate attorney can evaluate the estate, explain your responsibilities as Executor, and guide you through the filing process from the start.

Thoughtful estate planning can minimize or eliminate the need for probate. But when probate is required, informed guidance and a clear understanding of the process make all the difference.

Minella Law Group Can Help

Our team assists California families through every stage of the probate process — from the initial petition through final distribution. Whether you are serving as an Executor for the first time or navigating a more complex estate, we are here to provide clear guidance and steady support.

📞 Call Minella Law Group today at 619-289-7948 to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our family law specialists. We’ll listen to your concerns, assess the situation, and create a clear strategy tailored to your goals.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a licensed California probate or estate planning attorney.