In most counties in California, the minimum time to wrap up a formal probate is approximately 8 months (i.e. 2 months to get a hearing date to have an Executor/Administrator appointed + 4 months for creditors to file a claim + 2 months to get a hearing to approve final distribution).
The Probate Division manages decedents' estates, trusts, guardianship of minors, and conservatorship of adults who are unable to provide for their personal needs or manage their financial resources.
That said, there are 3 types of probate in California: Simple Probate by Affidavit; Summary Probate – Small Estate Administration; and Formal or Full Probate.