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Probate Timeline
Steps
File Petition for Probate
Hearing → Letters Issued
Notice to Creditors & Interested Parties
Inventory & Appraisal (I&A)
Estate Administration:
Pay Debts, Taxes, Expenses
(If Real Estate Sale) – Prepare & Market the Property
Petition for Final Distribution (or Distribution Without Probate)
Close Estate / Obtain Discharge
What Happens / Required Action
The Executor/Administrator files a petition (includes death certificate, will, if
one exists) to open probate.
At hearing, the petition is reviewed and — if all is in order — issues Letters
Testamentary or Letters of Administration,
giving you legal authority to act.
You must formally notify known creditors,
heirs/beneficiaries, and publish a public notice so unknown creditors may file claims.
You compile a full inventory of the decedent’s assets and have non-cash assets (like real estate) appraised — often via an appointed probate referee. Then the Inventory & Appraisal is filed.
Use estate funds to pay valid creditor claims, any final expenses/debts, final taxes, ongoing bills, or property upkeep — especially important when property will be sold.
If the estate includes real property, plan a sale:
make needed repairs/clean-up, decide on “as-is” or fixed-up sale, list the property, handle inspections, negotiations, etc.
Once all debts/taxes are paid, and after
creditor claim period closes, the executor files a petition for final distribution (or waives final accounting if allowed) — seeking approval to distribute remaining estate assets to heirs/beneficiaries.
After distribution, submit any required
documents to request the discharge of the personal representative and formally close the estate.
General Timing / Deadline
Within a few weeks after filing, there will be a hearing.
Usually, within 4–6 weeks after the petition is filed.
The creditor-claim period generally begins
immediately after the Letters are issued; published notice and mailings are done before or shortly after that.
Usually must be completed within 4 months of when the Letters are issued.
This is ongoing — must be handled before
distribution.
Timing depends on estate condition — can add additional months depending on repairs, market time, buyer escrow, etc.
Often, 9–12 months or more after the Letters are issued, depending on the timing of
earlier steps.
Typically finalizes the probate case — often
within a 1-year mark after Letters, but can extend to 12–18 months, depending
on complexity.
Clear communication. Step-by-step guidance
How can we help at your step?
MASTERING THE REAL ESTATE PROBATE PROCESS
FULL AUTHORITY
Grants the executor full power to list, negotiate, and close the sale without further approval, allowing for a faster and more efficient transaction.
LIMITED AUTHORITY
Restricts the administrator's authority, requiring oversight, published notice, sale confirmation hearings, and final approval before closing, resulting in a longer process.
Download The Timeline Here
Understand the full process at a glance.
What This Timeline Does Not Guarantee: What Can Extend It
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Disputes among heirs or beneficiaries
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The creditor claims that it needs dispute resolution
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Properties requiring extensive repairs, clean-outs, or remediation before sale
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Complex assets (business interests, foreign assets, multiple properties)
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Backlog, especially in busy counties
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Tax issues or need for estate tax return, special filings, or complex accounting.
As a result, many probates take toward the upper end of the 9–18 month range — sometimes longer.
Why This Simplified Timeline is Valuable (for Clients/Executors)
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Provides a clear roadmap of what to expect and when — reduces uncertainty
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Helps plan around key deadlines (creditor notice periods, I&A filing, asset distribution)
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Gives realistic expectations for the real estate sale timeline if the estate includes property — helpful for you as their real estate specialist
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Helps avoid surprises or personal liability by staying proactive and organized
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