In 2025, California’s probate landscape is changing with Assembly Bill 2016 (AB 2016), effective April 1, 2025, which simplifies the transfer of primary residences valued up to $750,000 without formal probate. While this new law aims to ease the burden for heirs, probate delays can still leave you waiting months for your inheritance, creating financial strain. At Advanced My Inheritance, our probate advances provide fast California probate funding, delivering up to 30% of your inheritance in as little as 24 hours, risk-free. In this article, we’ll explore California’s new probate law, its benefits and limitations, and how our California probate advance can help you access your funds quickly, even with the streamlined process.

What Is California’s New Probate Law (AB 2016)?

Signed into law in 2024, AB 2016 amends the California Probate Code to simplify the transfer of a decedent’s primary residence valued up to $750,000, effective for deaths on or after April 1, 2025. According to Klosek Law Offices, the key provisions include:

• Higher Threshold for Primary Residences: Primary residences valued up to $750,000 can be transferred using a simplified petition or affidavit process, avoiding full probate. This is a significant increase from the previous $184,500 limit for real property.
• Eligibility Criteria: The property must be the decedent’s primary residence, located in California, and the death must occur on or after April 1, 2025. At least 40 days must pass since the death, and the heir must be legally entitled to inherit, per Legal Norcal.
• Streamlined Process: Heirs file a “Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property” under Probate Code Sections 13150–13157, requiring one court hearing instead of full probate, which can take 9–18 months, per Nolo’s Probate Guide.
• Other Assets: Non-residence assets up to $208,850 (increased from $184,500) can also use simplified procedures, allowing estates worth nearly $1 million to potentially avoid full probate.

This law reflects California’s rising property values, aligning the threshold with median home prices, as noted by Clark Allison LLP. However, limitations include:

• Primary Residence Only: Vacation homes or rental properties don’t qualify.
• Court Involvement: A petition and hearing are still required, which can face delays due to court backlogs.
• Complex Estates: Disputes or multiple heirs can complicate even simplified transfers.

How Court Delays Persist Despite AB 2016

While AB 2016 simplifies transfers, heirs may still face delays due to:

• Court Backlogs: California probate courts often have high caseloads, delaying petition hearings, per Sowards Law Firm.
• Disputes or Complex Estates: Will contests, unclear heir status, or estates with multiple assets can extend the process, as seen in cases like Prince’s intestate probate.
• Documentation Requirements: Gathering appraisals, wills, or heir verification documents can take weeks, especially if executors or attorneys are slow to respond.

These delays can leave heirs struggling with expenses like funeral costs, medical bills, or debts, even with the new law’s simplifications.

How Probate Advances Solve Financial Strain

A California probate advance from Advanced My Inheritance provides immediate cash, even for estates under AB 2016’s simplified process. Our advances are non-recourse, meaning:

• No Personal Repayment: The advance is settled from your inheritance, not your pocket.
• No Credit or Income Checks: Approval is based on estate assets, not your financial history.
• No Monthly Payments: You avoid ongoing obligations.
• Fast Funding: Receive cash in as little as 24 hours.

For example, if you’re inheriting a $500,000 California home under AB 2016, but court delays stall the transfer, we can advance up to $150,000 (30% of your share) to cover urgent needs. Joseph S. shared in a Google Review, “Probate delays were holding up my inheritance, but Advanced My Inheritance got me funds in a day to cover my bills.”

Our 3-Step Process for California Heirs

We’ve streamlined the probate advance process to deliver fast California probate funding, even with AB 2016’s changes:

1. Free Consultation: Contact us for a no-obligation discussion. Our team explains terms, confirms eligibility under California law, and answers questions. Apply online or call us today.
2. Document Review: We review estate documents (e.g., death certificate, probate petition, will) to estimate your share, often within hours, even for simplified petitions under AB 2016.
3. Get Your Cash: Receive your advance in as little as 24 hours, with no restrictions on use.

Samantha P. praised our process: “They’ve the best probate advance rates I was quoted, and they were fast at addressing my needs. Great company!”

Benefits of Probate Advances Under California’s New Law

Even with AB 2016’s simplifications, probate advances offer critical benefits:

• Bypass Delays: Get funds in 24 hours, avoiding court backlogs or disputes.
• Cover Urgent Expenses: Use cash for funeral costs, legal fees, or living expenses, as June F. noted: “Advanced My Inheritance is an amazing financial tool.”
• No Risk: Our non-recourse advances ensure you’re not liable if the estate’s value decreases.
• Flexibility: Funds can be used for any purpose, from debt repayment to personal goals.

David A. said, “Very professional and knowledgeable about the different options to best fit my needs. Getting an advance on your inheritance has never been easier.”

Key Considerations for California Heirs in 2025

AB 2016 is a game-changer, but heirs should:

• Verify Eligibility: Ensure the property is the decedent’s primary residence and valued under $750,000, requiring a probate referee appraisal, per Absolute Trust Counsel.
• Act After 40 Days: The law requires a 40-day waiting period post-death before filing a petition.
• Consider Advances for Non-Qualifying Assets: If the estate includes other properties or assets over $208,850, full probate may still apply, making advances even more valuable.

Our probate resource database on our website offers guides on AB 2016 and California probate challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does AB 2016 eliminate the need for probate advances?
A: No, delays from court backlogs or disputes can still occur. Our advances provide immediate cash while you wait.

Q: Can I get an advance for a California primary residence?
A: Yes, we provide advances for estates under AB 2016, based on your share.

Q: How fast can I get funds?
A: We deliver funds in as little as 24 hours, even for California estates.

For more answers, visit our FAQ page.

Ready to Access Your California Inheritance Fast?

California’s new probate law (AB 2016) simplifies transfers, but delays can still leave you waiting. At Advanced My Inheritance, our California probate advance delivers fast California probate funding in as little as 24 hours, risk-free. Apply now or call us today for a free consultation to unlock your inheritance with confidence.