Probate

Small Estate Probate in California: Simplified Process

2026-05-03 Alder Heritage Homes

California has a simplified probate process for small estates. If your inherited property is part of a small estate, you may be able to avoid full probate and save significant time and money.

What is a Small Estate?

In California, a small estate is one where the total value of the estate is less than $166,250 (as of 2026). If the estate qualifies, heirs can use the simplified "small estate" probate process instead of full probate.

Small Estate Probate Process

In small estate probate: (1) heirs petition the court for a "succession to property" order, (2) the court issues the order without a full probate hearing, (3) heirs use the order to transfer property without going through full probate. This typically takes 2-3 months instead of 6-12 months.

Requirements for Small Estate Probate

To qualify for small estate probate: (1) the total estate value must be less than $166,250, (2) at least 30 days must have passed since the death, (3) heirs must file a petition with the court, (4) there must be no will contest or disputes among heirs.

Small Estate Advantages

Small estate probate is faster, cheaper, and simpler than full probate. Court costs are lower, attorney fees are lower, and the process is less formal. For small estates, this is the preferred probate method.

Selling Property in Small Estate Probate

If the small estate includes real property, heirs can sell the property using the small estate succession order. This is faster than full probate because there's no overbid process and no formal court confirmation hearing.

Alder Heritage Homes helps families with small estate probate sales. Connor can provide a cash offer quickly, allowing you to close within days of receiving the succession order. Call (559) 281-8016 for a free offer.