How long formal probate usually takes
The entire process typically takes 9 to 18 months and can sometimes take even longer.
California · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
Every quotation on this page is the official body’s own words, as they stood on the day we read them. The date is beside each one.
The main forms in a formal probate, by name
Petition for Probate (form DE-111)
Inventory and Appraisal (form DE-160)
Notice of Administration to Creditors (form DE-157)
California · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
The court’s filing fee for the first petition, and its footnote
PROBATE FEES · 124 First-filed petition for letters of administration or letters testamentary, first-filed petition for special letters of administration with powers of general representative under Prob.C 8545 · GC 70650(a), 70602.5, 70602.6 · $ 435*
* Fees marked with an asterisk will vary in the counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Francisco because of a local surcharge for courthouse construction. The fees in those counties are shown in the appendix.
California · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · Statewide Civil Fee Schedule, item 124
The other costs, and the notice in a newspaper
The costs of administration are often well over $1,000.00 and can be much more.
You must arrange for notice to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the city where the person who died lived.
California · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
Whether a lawyer has to be hired
The personal representative can hire a lawyer if they want.
California · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
When a creditor must file a claim
(a) A creditor shall file a claim before expiration of the later of the following times: (1) Four months after the date letters are first issued to a general personal representative. (2) Sixty days after the date notice of administration is mailed or personally delivered to the creditor.
California · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · Cal. Prob. Code §9100
The official page: California Legislature: Probate Code §9100
What the person holding the will must do, and how soon
Unless a petition for probate of the will is earlier filed, the custodian of a will shall, within 30 days after having knowledge of the death of the testator, do both of the following: (1) Deliver the will, personally or by registered or certified mail, to the clerk of the superior court of the county in which the estate of the decedent may be administered. (2) Deliver a copy of the will … to the person named in the will as executor…
(b) A custodian of a will who fails to comply with the requirements of this section shall be liable for all damages sustained by any person injured by the failure.
California · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · Cal. Prob. Code §8200
The official page: California Legislature: Probate Code §8200
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