Assuming there are no unforeseen complications, a typical California probate proceeding can be finished in 8-12 months. Most courts schedule the first hearing in probate six to ten weeks after the filing of the probate petition. This allows sufficient time to complete the required newspaper publication. At the hearing, the judge will sign the Order of Probate, and the Court Clerk can issue Letters. Once the Clerk issues Letters of Administration or Letters of Testamentary, there is a mandatory four-month creditor claim waiting period. This means that the Petition for Final Distribution cannot be filed until after the waiting period expires.  During this waiting period, the court will assign a probate referee who will complete the Inventory and Appraisal. During this time, the personal representative must provide notice to creditors, pay or reject claims and resolve all tax issues. Although unusual, a will contest or filing of an objection to the initial Petition may delay the probate proceeding for even more extended periods. Refer to this article which details the steps for filing probate in more specific detail.