Probate Process
Learn how the probate process works, what it costs, and how a living trust can help your family avoid court after you're gone.
How long does probate take after someone dies?
Probate timelines vary widely depending on the state and the complexity of the estate, but most cases take anywhere from several months to over a year to fully close. Contested estates or those with unclear documentation can stretch even longer. The process involves filing paperwork with the court, notifying creditors, inventorying assets, and waiting for a judge to approve distributions — each step adding time. One reason many families explore revocable living trusts is that trust assets typically transfer to beneficiaries outside of probate entirely, bypassing the court timeline.
