According to California probate law, the executor of an estate has a deadline of one year to settle the estate and complete the probate process. If they can’t complete probate within the year, they must report the status and give an update to the court.
Some probate matters take longer to resolve. For example, if someone is contesting the will of the decedent, the estate is vast or complicated, or the executor is finding it difficult to locate beneficiaries.