📅 Month 1–2: Initial Filing:

  • File Petition for Probate with the court.

📅 Month 2–3: Probate Hearing:

  • Court hearing to approve the petition. If uncontested, the following documents are issued:

    • Letters of Administration or Testamentary

    • Order for Probate

    • Duties & Liabilities of Executor

    • Bond issuance (if required)

📅 Month 2–4: Creditor Notifications:

  • Publish and mail Notice to Creditors

📅 Month 4–8: Inventory & State Notice:

  • Submit Inventory & Appraisement of assets

  • Notify the Department of Health Services
    (if decedent received medical benefits)

📅 Month 6–12: Tax Payments & Claims:

  • Pay applicable State & Federal taxes

  • Accept or reject creditor claims

  • Consider Preliminary Distributions to heirs

  • Notify Franchise Tax Board if any heir resides out of state

📅 Month 6–15: Asset Exemption (if minor involved):

  • File Claim of Exemption if transferring assets to a minor

📅 Month 6–18: Tax Clearance:

  • Receive final tax clearance letters (State & Federal)

📅 Month 8–16: Final Accounting:

  • File Petition for Final Distribution & Accounting

  • Await Order Approving Final Distribution

📅 Month 9–17: Asset Distribution:

  • Distribute assets to beneficiaries

📅 Month 9–18: Probate Closure:

  • File for and receive Final Discharge Order

  • Complete Final Distribution of Funds