After notice is given, and a hearing is held, the will is admitted to probate and an executor is appointed. If a person dies without a will, their estate is still subject to probate and the court may appointed a person to handle the estate known as the “administrator.”
California law mandates that probate be completed within one year of an executor or administrator being appointed to their role by the court. Typically it takes 12 to 18 months, though, and large or complex estates can take even longer. Executors or administrators can file extensions to resolve any complications.
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).
Superior Court of California - County of San Diego.
That said, there are 3 types of probate in California: Simple Probate by Affidavit; Summary Probate – Small Estate Administration; and Formal or Full Probate.
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.