The figures on this page are general estimates. Laws, fees, thresholds, and prices differ by state and change often, and your own situation may change the result. Before you act, confirm the current numbers and rules for California with a licensed professional — an attorney, tax advisor, or licensed agent as appropriate. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship.
When the clock starts in California
The single fact that governs every other date on this page: in California the creditor-claim period runs from the date letters are first issued to the personal representative.
This is not the same in every state. Some states run the period from the date of death, others from the date letters are issued to the personal representative, others from first publication of the notice to creditors. A deadline calculated from the wrong event is simply wrong, and a missed claim deadline is not curable.
California deadlines at a glance
| Deadline | California | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory | Four months after letters are first issued to a general personal representative. | Cal. Prob. Code §8800(b) |
| Creditor claim period | The later of four months after the date letters are first issued to a general personal representative, or 60 days after the date notice of administration is mailed or personally delivered to the creditor. | Cal. Prob. Code §9100(a) |
| Outer claim bar | Section 9100 states that it does not extend the time provided in Code of Civil Procedure §366.2. The content of that section was not retrieved for this entry and is not restated here. | Cal. Prob. Code §9100(a)(2), cross-referencing Cal. Civ. Proc. Code §366.2 |
| Closing / final distribution | The personal representative must petition for final distribution or report on the status of administration within one year after letters are issued, or within 18 months where a federal estate tax return is required. | Cal. Prob. Code §12200 |
The inventory deadline, as written
The inventory and appraisal shall be filed within four months after letters are first issued to a general personal representative.
— Cal. Prob. Code §8800(b)
The creditor-claim period, as written
A creditor shall file a claim before expiration of the later of the following times: (1) Four months after the date letters are first issued to a general personal representative. (2) Sixty days after the date notice of administration is mailed or personally delivered to the creditor.
— Cal. Prob. Code §9100(a)
The closing window, as written
(a) In an estate for which a federal estate tax return is not required, within one year after the date of issuance of letters. (b) In an estate for which a federal estate tax return is required, within 18 months after the date of issuance of letters.
— Cal. Prob. Code §12200
What this page does not state
Where a figure is not recorded above, it is because it was not found in the statute cited — not because no deadline exists. Court rules, local rules, and standing orders set additional dates that are not part of the statutory text, and those are not reproduced here. Confirm every date against the California court handling the estate.
Sources
- Statutes: Cal. Prob. Code §8800(b); Cal. Prob. Code §9100(a); Cal. Prob. Code §9100(a)(2), cross-referencing Cal. Civ. Proc. Code §366.2; Cal. Prob. Code §12200
- Authority: California Legislative Information (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)
- Source URL: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=8800&lawCode=PROB
- Verified: 2026-08-15
Related California guides
- How Long Does Probate Take in California? — the overall timeline these deadlines sit inside.
- How much does probate cost in California? — the cost side.
- How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in California? — compensation for the work.
- California Probate Fee Sheet — printable one-page reference.
- Executor Duties: The Complete Checklist — what the role involves.
Executor deadlines in other states
Arizona · Delaware · Florida · Idaho · Illinois · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Minnesota · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Rhode Island · South Carolina · Texas · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
This page reproduces California statutory deadlines as published at the time of verification. It is not legal advice. Statutes are amended, court rules impose additional dates, and application depends on the specific estate. Confirm every date with the California court or a licensed California attorney.