Probate in California is like that uninvited guest who arrives at your party and stays far longer than you ever anticipated. It’s slow, expensive, and emotionally exhausting — especially during one of the most difficult moments a family can face. It’s no wonder most people look for the nearest exit.
A little while ago, I met with two sisters who had recently inherited their family home. They were completely aligned on what they wanted to do: sell the property, settle the estate, and move forward. But, as often happens, things became far more complicated than they ever expected.
At first, they were optimistic. But shortly after starting the probate process, they found themselves buried under countless forms, filing requirements, and deadlines. Weeks went by with no response from the court. When they finally reached someone, they learned their forms had been rejected because of a small error. To make matters worse, the court sent them “notes” about their case filled with legal jargon that even college-educated professionals would struggle to understand.
This tiny mistake—one that could have been corrected in minutes—added nearly four months to the process.
Four months spent waiting. Four months of uncertainty. Four months of growing frustration.
And, all the while, the costs kept stacking up: filing fees, property maintenance, legal notices, required services… It felt endless.
Then came the tipping point.
The vacant home—the one tied up in probate—was broken into and damaged. Not only did this create new financial strain, but it also triggered complaints from the city’s code enforcement division. Suddenly, the sisters weren’t just dealing with probate—they were dealing with criminal activity and safety concerns.
It’s something many families don’t realize:
Even with a will or power of attorney, heirs often cannot legally protect or make decisions about inherited property until the probate court gives them permission.
For more on this, the California Courts website explains it clearly: https://www.courts.ca.gov/8865.htm
After a full year of navigating this maze, the sisters reached their breaking point. They gave me a call—exhausted, stressed, and ready to close this chapter of their lives for good.
I stepped in, helped them understand their options, guided them through the remaining steps, and ultimately offered them a fair and reasonable purchase price for their property. After months of emotional and financial strain, they finally had relief.
Why Hiring a Probate Attorney Is Essential
Let’s be clear: working with a probate attorney is absolutely the best approach.
Even when everyone agrees on what to do, California probate can be overwhelmingly complex—and mistakes can be costly. An experienced attorney can help you avoid delays, protect your rights, and keep the process moving.
For a helpful overview of the probate timeline and requirements, here are reputable resources:
- California Courts Probate Overview: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/probate
- NOLO’s Guide on How to Probate an Estate: https://store.nolo.com/products/how-to-probate-an-estate-in-california-pae.html
- Laurel Buy’s Houses’ free California Probate Resource Guide, available here
Looking for Help With an Inherited Home?
If you want to understand more about California’s probate process or need guidance on what to do with an inherited property, explore our probate resources or give me a call. Every family’s situation is unique, and having someone knowledgeable on your side can make all the difference.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Meta description: Discover why California probate is so time-consuming, how it impacts inherited property, and what families can do to avoid delays, costs, and added stress.