How long does it usually take to settle a trust in California? Our mother passed away five months ago. There are no ltigation or IRS issues pending.

Even without known IRS issues, a prudent trustee often waits a year for full distribution of trust assets, to be sure there is money in case one last tax return has to be filed, or an unknown creditor files a claim. The trustee has the option to make a partial distribution to all heirs in the meantime, but does not have to.