Probate Timeline
In California, where Walnut Creek Elder Law is located, probate proceedings typically take about a year to complete. The probate timeline may require even more time, depending on the assets and complexities of the case.
Probate Steps
- The court gives notice after attorneys file the petition.
- The court posts notices.
Statutory Probate Timeline
Every party to a probate adheres to the probate timeline. This applies to various aspects of the probate:
- Filing dates
- Publication
- Creditors’ claims
If creditors make claims against the estate, the court can further extend probate to accommodate the requests.Therefore, the process can longer still to resolve.
Beneficiary Contestation
If beneficiaries contest certain aspects of the probate, the proceeding can take even longer. For example, the court may examine the amounts of distributions as well as which parties should receive distributions. What’s more, real estate sales may be made during the course of a probate administration. This is legal even when probate is being contested.
When someone sells real property during the course of a probate proceeding, the court distributes proceeds from sale. They draw from escrow to the probate bank account, pending completion of the probate proceeding.