Once a personal representative is formally appointed — which typically occurs at the initial probate hearing — they generally have one year to complete the probate process. That said, if an estate is subject to federal estate tax or has other complexities that delay administration, the deadline can typically be extended to 18 months.
While it’s fairly standard for a property to remain in probate for 12 to 18 months, the timeline could be shortened or extended depending on the specific circumstances of the administration. For example, if an estate is small and straightforward, property may not remain in probate for a full 12 months. However, if an estate is subject to disputes or is complex, property may remain in it for longer than 18 months.
If you are entitled to property from an estate, consult an attorney for an estimated timeline of when the property transfer should take place.
