The probate process is an essential part of estate administration in the United States. When an individual passes away, their estate must go through probate to ensure that assets are distributed according to their will or state law.
The length of time it takes to probate an estate can vary significantly depending on factors such as the state where the probate occurs, the complexity of the estate, and any disputes that arise during the process. In this article, we compare the average length of time it takes to probate an estate in each state.
Alabama: 6-12 months
Alabama’s probate process can be relatively quick, with simple estates often being settled within six months. However, larger or more complex estates can take up to a year or longer to be resolved.
Alaska: 6-12 months
In Alaska, the probate process typically takes between six months to a year. However, factors such as disputes or a complex estate can extend the timeline.
Arizona: 9-18 months
Arizona’s probate process can take between nine months to a year and a half. The timeframe may be shorter for smaller, uncontested estates.
Arkansas: 6-12 months
In Arkansas, the probate process generally takes between six months to a year to complete. Complex estates or those with ongoing disputes may take longer to resolve.
California: 12-24 months
California’s probate process can be quite lengthy, often taking a year or more to complete. Factors such as estate complexity, disputes, and court backlogs can contribute to extended timelines.
Colorado: 6-12 months
Probate in Colorado typically takes between six months to a year. The process may be expedited for smaller estates, while larger or contested estates can take longer.
Connecticut: 12-24 months
Connecticut’s probate process can take a year or more to complete, with more complex estates or those with disputes taking up to two years.
Delaware: 6-12 months
In Delaware, the probate process generally takes between six months to a year, although more complicated estates or those with disputes may extend the timeline.
Florida: 6-12 months
Florida‘s probate process typically takes six months to a year to complete, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Georgia: 12-24 months
The probate process in Georgia can take between one to two years, with complex or contested estates taking the longer end of that range. Smaller, uncontested estates may be resolved more quickly.
Hawaii: 12-24 months
In Hawaii, the probate process can take one to two years to complete, depending on the complexity of the estate and any disputes that may arise.
Idaho: 6-12 months
Idaho‘s probate process generally takes between six months to a year to complete, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Illinois: 12-24 months
Illinois probate can take between one to two years, with complex or contested estates often requiring the longer timeframe.
Indiana: 6-12 months
In Indiana, the probate process typically takes six months to a year. However, larger or more complicated estates may take longer to resolve.
Iowa: 12-24 months
Iowa’s probate process can take between one to two years, with factors such as estate complexity and disputes potentially extending the timeline.
Kansas: 6-12 months
Kansas probate generally takes between six months to a year, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Kentucky: 6-12 months
In Kentucky, the probate process typically takes six months to a year. However, more complex or contested estates can extend the timeline.
Louisiana: 12-24 months
Louisiana’s probate process can take between one to two years, depending on the complexity of the estate and any disputes that may arise.
Maine: 9-18 months
In Maine, the probate process generally takes between nine months to a year and a half, with more complex or contested estates potentially taking longer.
Maryland: 12-24 months
Maryland’s probate process can take between one to two years to complete, with factors such as estate complexity and disputes potentially extending the timeline.
Massachusetts: 12-24 months
The probate process in Massachusetts typically takes one to two years, with more complex or contested estates requiring a longer timeframe.
Michigan: 6-12 months
Michigan probate generally takes between six months to a year, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Minnesota: 12-24 months
In Minnesota, the probate process can take between one to two years, depending on the complexity of the estate and any disputes that may arise.
Mississippi: 6-12 months
Mississippi’s probate process typically takes six months to a year, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Missouri: 6-12 months
In Missouri, the probate process generally takes between six months to a year, although more complex or contested estates can extend the timeline.
Montana: 6-12 months
Montana’s probate process typically takes six months to a year, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Nebraska: 12-24 months
The probate process in Nebraska can take between one to two years, with factors such as estate complexity and disputes potentially extending the timeline.
Nevada: 12-24 months
Nevada’s probate process generally takes one to two years, depending on the complexity of the estate and any disputes that may arise.
New Hampshire: 12-24 months
In New Hampshire, the probate process can take between one to two years, with more complex or contested estates requiring a longer timeframe.
New Jersey: 12-24 months
New Jersey probate can take between one to two years, with complex or contested estates often requiring the longer timeframe.
New Mexico: 6-12 months
In New Mexico, the probate process typically takes six months to a year. However, larger or more complicated estates may take contested estates may take longer.
New York: 12-24 months
New York’s probate process can take between one to two years, depending on the complexity of the estate and any disputes that may arise.
North Carolina: 6-12 months
In North Carolina, the probate process generally takes between six months to a year, although more complex or contested estates can extend the timeline.
North Dakota: 6-12 months
North Dakota’s probate process typically takes six months to a year, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Ohio: 9-18 months
The probate process in Ohio can take between nine months to a year and a half, with factors such as estate complexity and disputes potentially extending the timeline.
Oklahoma: 6-12 months
Oklahoma’s probate process generally takes between six months to a year, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Oregon: 6-12 months
In Oregon, the probate process typically takes six months to a year. However, larger or more complicated estates may take longer to resolve.
Pennsylvania: 12-24 months
Pennsylvania probate can take between one to two years, with complex or contested estates often requiring the longer timeframe.
Rhode Island: 12-24 months
In Rhode Island, the probate process can take between one to two years, depending on the complexity of the estate and any disputes that may arise.
South Carolina: 12-24 months
South Carolina’s probate process generally takes one to two years, with factors such as estate complexity and disputes potentially extending the timeline.
South Dakota: 6-12 months
In South Dakota, the probate process typically takes six months to a year, although more complex or contested estates can extend the timeline.
Tennessee: 12-24 months
Tennessee’s probate process can take between one to two years, depending on the complexity of the estate and any disputes that may arise.
Texas: 6-12 months
In Texas, the probate process generally takes between six months to a year, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Utah: 6-12 months
Utah’s probate process typically takes six months to a year, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Vermont: 12-24 months
The probate process in Vermont can take between one to two years, with factors such as estate complexity and disputes potentially extending the timeline.
Virginia: 12-24 months
Virginia’s probate process generally takes one to two years, depending on the complexity of the estate and any disputes that may arise.
Washington: 9-18 months
In Washington, the probate process typically takes between nine months to a year and a half, with more complex or contested estates potentially taking longer.
West Virginia: 6-12 months
West Virginia’s probate process generally takes between six months to a year, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Wisconsin: 6-12 months
In Wisconsin, the probate process typically takes six months to a year. However, larger or more complicated estates may take longer to resolve.
Wyoming: 6-12 months
Wyoming’s probate process typically takes between six months to a year, with simpler estates potentially being resolved more quickly. Larger or contested estates may take longer.
Conclusion
While the average length of time to probate an estate varies by state, many factors can influence the duration of the process, including the complexity of the estate, disputes, and court backlogs. It is crucial for estate executors and beneficiaries to consult with an experienced probate attorney in their respective state to better understand the intricacies of the process and navigate any challenges that may arise. By doing so, they can help ensure a smoother, more efficient probate experience and ultimately facilitate the proper distribution of assets to the designated beneficiaries.