Probate is the legal process of giving formal recognition to a will, naming or validating a personal representative (executor) to administrate the estate, and distributing assets to intended beneficiaries. It also requires paying the decedent’s outstanding debts and federal and state taxes. Each state has different laws determining if probate is necessary or can be expedited, whether the fiduciary requires bonding, and what reports must be prepared. The probate experience is unique, as no two wills are the same.
In general, the timeline of the probate procedure moves quickly if the estate has minimal assets and little debt. Larger estates can expect a process lasting anywhere from nine months to a few years, especially with problematic family dynamics. An estate planning attorney or probate lawyer can help guide efforts in these more complex or contentious circumstances. During a time of grief, it is reassuring to have a general probate timeline to help manage expectations and deadlines as you move through the process.
Prepare and File the Probate Petition (1-4 months)
Filing a probate petition requires a valid will and the decedent’s death certificate, usually provided by the funeral home. The personal representative or executor sends an official notice of probate to beneficiaries or interested parties, with each state having specific requirements regarding the notification process. To speed the process, when there is agreement among beneficiaries, each party signs the “waiver of process consent to probate.” This consent form advises the court there are no issues with the will, and beneficiaries forfeit the right to challenge the will or its executor.
Usually, an executor sends a notice of probate within the first two months of the decedent’s passing. Some states require a notice of death published by the executor in the newspaper. The executor provides the funeral home with the decedent’s Social Security number, and they create a legal death certificate. An executor may prefer to purchase several death certificates for larger estates. It is a responsibility to report the person’s death to the Social Security Administration. If the decedent received medical benefits, a notice of death to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a requirement.
Provide Notice to Creditors (3-6 months)
Like all beneficiaries, all creditors must be aware of the decedent’s will. The estate’s personal representative notifies appropriate claim holders via a formal notice to creditors and other firms, companies, or people to whom the decedent owed money. It is important to follow court rules for notifying creditors. Discovery regarding the deceased’s outstanding debts is most easily achieved by gathering the remaining bills or requesting a copy of the decedent’s credit report.
Payment of Debts and Fees (6-12 months)
The decedent’s creditors receive notification of the individual’s death with a formal notice of death and notice to creditors. The executor must pay all professional and personal debts from the estate with estate funds. The estate is also responsible for payment of the decedent’s state and federal income taxes before the probate process can conclude.
Additionally, the process of probate itself costs the estate money. All fees and administration costs relating to probate are to be paid by the estate via the personal representative’s actions. The fee structure can increase based on the length of time a will is in probate, so the executor benefits by moving quickly and carefully.
Asset Inventory (6-12 months)
An inventory of the estate’s assets is a crucial part of the will since it becomes part of the official estate record. The task can be time-consuming, particularly if the estate’s records are in disarray. Most asset inventory will include:
Jointly owned real estate, property, vehicles, and financial accounts transfer to the surviving owner. Probate is also not required for IRAs with a beneficiary or other accounts with a pay-on-death designation.
Asset Distribution (9-18 months)
Before asset distribution, the estate’s executor should make every effort to pay all outstanding debts. When all creditor bills are paid, and the remaining assets are accounted for, some state probate law dictates the distribution of assets occur only after the probate hearing. Concluding the probate hearing first prevents the opportunity for an ungrateful or disgruntled beneficiary to threaten the will’s validity.
The Estate Closing (9-24 months)
Probate can conclude when all creditors are paid, taxes are filed, and assets are sold or distributed. After finalizing the executor’s duties, the probate court judge then issues the final order of discharge of the personal representative. This court action officially closes the estate.
All wills go through probate proceedings; however, it is not the only available option. Larger estate owners may prefer to protect the futures of their loved ones using trusts. There are advantages to avoiding probate as it can be lengthy, complex, expensive, and is always a matter of public record.
Your estate attorney can customize an estate plan for your family situation. Our estate planning firm can advise trusts and other legal mechanisms to lessen the probate process or let you know if your estate is a candidate for an expedited process. There is a general timeline for the probate process, yet, all wills and state laws are different. Consult with our estate planning or probate attorneys to understand the specifics of your situation. Please give us a call at (207)848-5600 or check out our CONTACT page for more ways to reach us.
