The California probate timeline
A typical uncontested Orange County probate. Yours will differ; the order rarely does.
- Week 0Death. Secure the house, keep insurance and utilities current, locate the will.
- Weeks 1–6Meet an attorney. Petition for Probate filed with Orange County Superior Court. Notice published and mailed to heirs.
- Weeks 6–12Hearing at the Costa Mesa Justice Center. Personal representative appointed. Letters issued, with full or limited authority.
- Month 3Estate bank account opened. Notice to creditors mailed; four-month claim period begins. BOE-502-D filed with the Assessor (150-day deadline from death).
- Months 3–4Probate referee appraises the house as of the date of death. Inventory and Appraisal filed.
- Months 3–6House cleaned out and listed. Offer accepted.
- Months 4–7Full authority: Notice of Proposed Action mailed, 15 days pass, escrow closes. Limited authority: petition for confirmation filed, hearing 6–10 weeks out, sale confirmed or overbid, escrow closes.
- Month 7Creditor claim period ends. Claims paid or rejected.
- Months 7–12Tax returns filed. Attorney prepares the accounting.
- Months 9–18Petition for final distribution heard. Court approves. Heirs receive their shares. Estate closes.
Court calendars, contested petitions, and creditor disputes extend this. Read how long probate really takes for what slows it down.
ocprobate.solutions · Vennessa Mele · (951) 313-3816 · vennessamele@gmail.com
Have a question about your own situation? Email me a photo of your Letters and the property address, and I will tell you what your authority means and what the house is likely worth. It costs nothing and there is no obligation.