FAQs for California Probate

Probate laws vary state to state, so it is important that you understand the laws in your state.  There are key differences that make dealing with probate in California unique.

1. Can Probate be avoided in California?

In California, you can avoid Probate if you set up a trust for all of your assets. If there is no trust or other plans, the estate will enter the probate process in California which can be a long process.

2. How long does Probate Take in California?

The probate process in California can be frustratingly long. It can take anywhere from 9 months to over 2 years, depending upon the complexity of the estate, the number of heirs, and the speed of the local court administering the case. If the Will is being contested, probate can drag on for even longer – sometimes taking several years. And that was pre-pandemic, so now we are seeing more delays. ProbateCash can get you funded long before the probate process is completed.

3. How can I speed up the probate process in California?

Unfortunately, there is no real way to speed up the probate process, as it is required to go through the Courts, which are currently backlogged. However, ProbateCash can be the ideal solution to access a portion of your inheritance while you wait for the estate to close and disburse. The experienced professionals at ProbateCash can guide you through the process, making it easy to get the money you need as quickly as the same day.

4. Can I get a Probate Advance in California?

Yes. ProbateCash works in all fifty states and in all of California’s counties, including, but not limited to the following:

• Alameda County, CA
• Alpine County, CA
• Amador County, CA
• Butte County, CA
• Calaveras County, CA
• Colusa County, CA
• Contra Costa County, CA
• Del Norte County, CA
• El Dorado County, CA
• Fresno County, CA
• Glenn County, CA
• Humboldt County, CA
• Imperial County, CA
• Inyo County, CA
• Kern County, CA
• Kings County, CA
• Lake County, CA
• Lassen County, CA
• Los Angeles County, CA
• Madera County, CA
• Marin County, CA
• Mariposa County, CA
• Mendocino County, CA
• Merced County, CA
• Modoc County, CA
• Mono County, CA
• Monterey County, CA
• Napa County, CA
• Nevada County, CA
• Orange County, CA
• Placer County, CA
• Plumas County, CA
• Riverside County, CA
• Sacramento County, CA
• San Benito County, CA
• San Bernardino County, CA
• San Diego County, CA
• San Francisco County, CA
• San Joaquin County, CA
• San Luis Opispo County, CA
• San Mateo County, CA
• Santa Barbara County, CA
• Santa Clara County, CA
• Santa Cruz County, CA
• Shasta County, CA
• Sierra County, CA
• Siskiyou County, CA
• Solano County, CA
• Sonoma County, CA
• Stanislaus County, CA
• Sutter County, CA
• Tehama County, CA
• Toulumne County, CA
• Trinity County, CA
• Tulare County, CA
• Ventura County, CA
• Yolo County, CA
• Yuba County, CA

5. Does California have an estate tax?

No, California does not have an estate tax. The following states do have an estate tax:

• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Maine
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington (state)

6. Does California have an inheritance tax?

No, California does not have an inheritance tax. The following states do have an inheritance tax:

• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania