The Probate Timeline: Month by Month
Expect the process to take a minimum of 9 months, stretching to 18-24 months for complex estates or in backlogged urban courts.
1
Months 1-2
File the petition, submit the Will, and get officially appointed as Executor (Letters Testamentary).
2
Months 3-5
Notify creditors, publish public notices in newspapers, and begin marshaling assets.
3
Months 6-9
Creditor waiting period ends (varies by state). Pay valid debts, sell property if needed to generate cash.
4
Months 9-12+
File final tax returns, submit final accounting to the court, wait for approval, and finally distribute assets to heirs.