Get a personalized estimate of how long probate will take based on your state, estate size, and specific circumstances.
Probate timelines vary dramatically depending on the state, estate size, and whether complications arise. A simple estate in Arizona might close in four months; a contested estate in California could take two years or more.
Use the tool below to get a personalized estimate. Select your state, enter the approximate estate value, and check any complicating factors that apply to your situation.
Select your state and estate details for a personalized estimate.
Every state requires a mandatory waiting period during which creditors can file claims against the estate. This is often the single biggest factor in the minimum timeline. Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have 12-month creditor periods, while Florida and North Carolina require just 90 days. The estate cannot close until this period expires, no matter how simple things are otherwise.
Some states and counties simply have more cases than they can handle. California is notorious for this — Los Angeles County, San Francisco, and other major metro courts often add months to the process simply due to scheduling backlogs. Conversely, states like Arizona and Colorado that follow the Uniform Probate Code tend to have more streamlined systems with less court involvement.
The more assets in an estate — and the more complicated those assets are — the longer probate takes. Real estate requires appraisals and often court-supervised sales. Business interests need professional valuation. Property in multiple states triggers ancillary probate proceedings in each state, essentially running parallel probate cases. And estates large enough to require a federal estate tax return (currently those exceeding $13.99 million in 2025) face additional IRS processing time.
Nothing extends probate like a contested will or family disagreement. Will contests, disputes over the executor, disagreements about asset distribution, or claims from disinherited family members can add anywhere from several months to several years. Contested cases often require mediation or litigation before the estate can move forward.
Most states offer simplified probate procedures for smaller estates. These can dramatically reduce the timeline — sometimes to just a few weeks. The thresholds vary widely: California allows simplified procedures for estates under $208,850, while Georgia sets the bar at just $10,000. If the estate qualifies, this is almost always the fastest path.
If you are an heir or beneficiary waiting for probate to conclude, you may have options. An inheritance advance can provide cash from your expected share in as little as 48 hours — no credit check, no monthly payments, and no personal risk. The advance is repaid directly from the estate when it closes.
Get a free quote or call (800) 617-7260 to find out how much you can access now.
Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Probate laws, timelines, and costs vary significantly by state and by individual circumstances. We strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation. First Heritage Funding is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.
Across all states, the average probate takes 6 to 12 months for a straightforward estate. However, this varies significantly by state. Arizona and Texas often close in 4 to 8 months, while California and New York routinely take 12 to 18 months. Complications like real estate, family disputes, or multi-state property can extend any state beyond 2 years.
Yes, in many cases. Assets held in a living trust, jointly owned property with right of survivorship, accounts with beneficiary designations (like life insurance and retirement accounts), and payable-on-death bank accounts all pass outside of probate. Many states also offer simplified procedures for small estates that bypass formal probate.
Having a clear, legally valid will generally makes probate faster because it names an executor and specifies how assets should be distributed. Without a will, the court must appoint an administrator and follow the state intestate succession laws, which adds time. However, a will does not eliminate probate — it simply makes the process smoother.
The creditor claim period is a mandatory waiting period during which anyone the deceased owed money to can file a claim against the estate. The estate cannot close until this period expires. It ranges from 90 days (Florida, North Carolina) to 12 months (Massachusetts, Pennsylvania) depending on the state.
Yes. An inheritance advance allows you to receive a portion of your expected inheritance before probate concludes. The advance is repaid from your share when the estate closes. There is no credit check, no monthly payments, and no personal liability if the estate pays less than expected. We work in 47 states and can typically fund within 48 hours.
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