{"id":255,"date":"2019-03-22T08:40:53","date_gmt":"2019-03-22T15:40:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/probate\/?p=255"},"modified":"2022-11-14T14:42:33","modified_gmt":"2022-11-14T21:42:33","slug":"how-long-after-death-to-file-probate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/probate\/blog\/how-long-after-death-to-file-probate\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Do You Have to File Probate After Death?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

Probate<\/a> is the legal process of closing someone\u2019s estate after they pass away. Probate proceedings can vary widely from case to case in terms of their scope and length, but the primary purpose is always the same: settle the decedent\u2019s liabilities and distribute the estate\u2019s assets. In the ideal scenario, the decedent has left a will<\/a> that nominates a personal representative and clearly lists the estate\u2019s beneficiaries. If there isn\u2019t a will, then probate will be dictated by the state\u2019s intestacy<\/a> laws.<\/p>\n

Filing the Will<\/h4>\n

The courts try to allow plenty of time for family members to grieve the loss of their loved one before initiating probate. If you\u2019re in possession of the decedent\u2019s will, you\u2019re asked to submit the will to the county probate court in \u201ca reasonable amount of time\u201d following the decedent\u2019s passing. Generally speaking, you should file the will within 30 days of the decedent\u2019s passing, though some states allow up to 120 days to file the will.<\/p>\n

There aren\u2019t any penalties for filing the will late, but the court may hold you personally liable for any damages incurred by the estate\u2019s beneficiaries due to the late filing. However, if the court finds that you deliberately withheld the will for personal financial gain, you may face criminal charges.<\/p>\n

Note that while you have a legal obligation to file the will in a reasonable amount of time, you\u2019re under no obligation to petition to open probate. Most people choose to submit the will along with a petition for probate, but there\u2019s no requirement to do so. If you\u2019re in possession of the decedent\u2019s will but you want no part of the probate proceedings, then you can fulfill your legal duty by simply filing the will with the court. After that, any interested party to the estate can petition to open probate.<\/p>\n

Opening Probate<\/h4>\n

While some states allow up to six years to probate an estate, the state of Arizona will only accept probate cases that are opened within two years of the decedent\u2019s passing (ARS 14-3108<\/a>). That said, there are a few exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations:<\/p>\n