Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

In my practice, I have the executor make out checks in advance, and I mail them out as soon as the order is granted. If real property is being transferred, a certified copy of the court's order for final distribution is recorded in each county where the estate held title to real property.

One of three things is happening here. 1) You may be incorrect - the court order issued in December could be the initial order appointing an executor and admitting the will to probate; 2) there is some complication with a reasonable explanation you can get from the attorney; or 3) something weird is going on here.