Is There a Statute of Limitations on Contesting an Estate Plan in California?

Yes, and the deadlines are strict. For will contests, California Probate Code § 8270 generally requires objections to be filed within 120 days of the court admitting the will to probate. For trust contests, once a trustee serves the required "Notification by Trustee," beneficiaries typically have only 120 days from receipt of that notice (or 60 days from receiving a copy of the trust, whichever is later) to file suit under Probate Code § 16061.8. 

Common grounds for a contest include lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution, but even the strongest case will be dismissed if the filing deadline has passed. Because these windows can close before a family realizes something is wrong, it is critical to consult a trust litigation attorney as soon as you suspect a problem. Fox Law can help you assess whether you still have a viable claim and act before time runs out.