Most people imagine probate will be wrapped up in a few months. But the truth is that many estates take one to two years, and more complicated cases can drag on for several years before beneficiaries see a single dollar. For families who are grieving and trying to move forward financially, this waiting period can feel overwhelming.
Understanding why some estates take so long—and what you can do to speed things up—can help you stay informed, manage expectations, and protect your financial well-being.
Why Some Estates Take So Long To Close
Several factors can stretch probate far beyond the normal timeline. The most common include:
1. Missing or Complicated Paperwork
Probate courts require:
- Death certificates
- The original will
- Inventory of assets
- Appraisals
- Tax returns
- Legal filings
If any of these are missing or incomplete, probate stalls until the documents are corrected.
2. Executor Inexperience or Delays
Executors are often family members with:
- Busy lives
- No legal training
- No financial experience
- Emotional stress
If the executor is slow, unresponsive, or overwhelmed, the entire estate suffers delays.
3. Family Disputes
One disagreement can add months—or years—to the probate timeline. Common disputes include:
- Sibling conflict
- Questions about the will
- Allegations of undue influence
- Suspicion of hidden assets
- Arguments over property
Courts must resolve these issues before any distribution occurs.
4. Real Estate Complications
Real estate adds time because:
- Property must be appraised
- Repairs may be required
- The home must be listed and sold
- Market conditions may cause delays
- Occupants may refuse to leave
Homes are the largest source of probate delays nationwide.
5. Creditor Claims
Before beneficiaries receive anything, creditors must be:
- Notified
- Given time to respond
- Paid appropriately
If disputes arise about debts, probate can pause for months.
6. Tax Requirements
Tax filings cause significant delays because:
- Estate taxes may be due
- Income taxes for the deceased must be filed
- Extensions may be required
- IRS processing is slow
Taxes must be handled before the estate can close.
7. Court Backlogs
Some courts have more cases than judges. Even simple estates can wait weeks or months for hearing dates and approvals.
What Beneficiaries Can Do To Speed Up Probate
You may not control the entire process, but beneficiaries can take steps to prevent unnecessary delays.
1. Request a Timeline from the Executor
Ask for:
- Filed documents
- Upcoming deadlines
- Expected dates
- Next steps
Executors are required to communicate.
2. Follow Up Regularly — in Writing
Email creates a paper trail the court can review if needed.
3. Ask the Court for Status Updates
You can request hearings, updates, and reports if you believe the executor is delaying unnecessarily.
4. Request a Formal Accounting
If the executor is hiding information or avoiding communication, a formal accounting forces transparency.
5. Petition for Executor Replacement
If the executor is unfit, the court can appoint someone else—often a professional fiduciary who works much faster.
6. Encourage Cooperation Among Siblings
The fewer disputes, the faster the estate closes. Mediation often helps avoid litigation.
7. Seek Your Own Legal Counsel
You are allowed to independently protect your rights, especially if the executor is not acting fairly.
8. Consider an Inheritance Advance
Even if you take every step above, probate may still take far longer than expected. Many beneficiaries simply cannot wait years for money they’re legally entitled to receive.
Inheritance funding provides immediate financial relief while the estate moves through the slow court process.
Final Thoughts
Probate delays are incredibly common, but they don’t have to disrupt your life. By staying informed, communicating clearly, and taking the right steps, beneficiaries can help move the estate in the right direction—even when the court system moves slowly.
Don’t Let a Slow Estate Create Financial Stress — We Can Help
Approved Inheritance Cash allows beneficiaries to access a portion of their inheritance now, instead of waiting months or years. There are:
- No credit checks
- No monthly payments
- No risk to you
You receive the funds you need now, and repayment happens only when the estate finally closes.
Visit Approved Inheritance Cash today and take control of your financial future.
