{"id":246,"date":"2019-03-22T08:40:53","date_gmt":"2019-03-22T15:40:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/probate\/?p=246"},"modified":"2022-11-15T14:21:03","modified_gmt":"2022-11-15T21:21:03","slug":"how-long-to-be-notified-of-inheritance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/probate\/blog\/how-long-to-be-notified-of-inheritance\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does It Take to Be Notified of an Inheritance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

The probate\u00a0(inheritance) process can be confusing and intimidating, especially if you have never gone through it before. Unless you are an attorney or a financial planner, you will probably go through the probate process only once or twice in your life, and that limited experience definitely does not make you an expert.<\/p>\n

That is why it is so important to work with a probate expert and get your questions answered. You probably will have a lot of questions as you work your way through the probate process, including how long you could have to wait to receive your inheritance. So how long can you expect to wait once the probate process is completed, and what can you expect during this time?<\/p>\n

Many people simply assume that the funds from an inheritance will be available immediately. Some even make their financial decisions based on that assumption. The individual who learns about an inheritance may go out and buy a car or start shopping for a house, assuming that the money will soon be theirs.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Depending on the complexities of the probate process and the specifics of the case, it could take many months, or even up to a year, for the funds to be distributed. If you have been named in the will, it is important to understand this fact, and how the delay could impact your finances for the short term.<\/p>\n

How Long Will the Process Take?<\/h2>\n

Everyone who is due an inheritance will have questions about the probate process and how long it will take. While there is no hard and fast guide, there are a few guidelines you can go by.<\/p>\n

In a typical probate case, you should expect the process to take between six months and a year. You should make your plans accordingly, and not make any major financial decisions until you know the money is on its way.<\/p>\n

This six-month to one-year time frame is just a guideline, of course. Every probate is different, and every estate has its own unique complexities. If the estate is a large one\u00a0with many different investments, many heirs and serious tax consequences, the probate process could take much longer. If the estate is a relatively simple one, the whole thing could be completed well in advance of the expected six-month minimum.<\/p>\n

Understanding the Process<\/h2>\n

There is a lot of mystery surrounding the probate process, but once you demystify it, things become a lot clearer. A good probate attorney will be able to walk you through the specifics of your case, but here is a general guideline of what you can expect.<\/p>\n

There are a number of steps that must be completed before the funds from probate are distributed to the heirs. Those critical steps are outlined below.<\/p>\n

Step #1 \u2013 Locate the Will<\/h2>\n

This one may seem self-explanatory, but finding the will is not always a simple matter. The heirs may not know where the will is located, or even who prepared it.<\/p>\n

Finding the will could involve contacts with many different law firms, examination of bank records and safe deposit boxes and other time-consuming steps. Since the probate process cannot go forward until the will is found, this first step can create a number of delays.<\/p>\n

Step #2 \u2013 Making Funeral Arrangements<\/h2>\n

The funeral provides closure for loved ones, but making funeral arrangements is also an important step in the probate process. It is important to know and respect the wishes of the deceased, and hopefully, these wishes will be laid out in the will.<\/p>\n

Step #3 \u2013 Contacting the Lawyer<\/h2>\n

The third step is contacting the attorney who will be handling the case. Typically the executor or administrator of the estate will call the attorney they select. Once the attorney has been contacted, the executor or administrator will provide all the necessary documents, including:<\/p>\n