quote:

ORIGINAL: angelic

This is REALLY way off topic, but i was wondering if there are any legal minds out there that can tell me the normal length of time to settle an Estate, i.e. must it be completed within so many days/months/years of the opening of the probate? (yes i'm a paralegal but a personal injury paralegal), i know ZERO about probate.

quote:

ORIGINAL: JohnWarren

quote:

ORIGINAL: angelic

This is REALLY way off topic, but i was wondering if there are any legal minds out there that can tell me the normal length of time to settle an Estate, i.e. must it be completed within so many days/months/years of the opening of the probate? (yes i'm a paralegal but a personal injury paralegal), i know ZERO about probate.

First, it's state law so each state has different rules. However, in most cases, there isn't a normal time. Some can be settled in weeks; some drag on for years. I know of some land that went into probate in the 50s and it still isn't settled. If the IRS gets involved, they can hold up the estate for three years before rendering their first decision.

quote:

ORIGINAL: JohnWarren

quote:

ORIGINAL: angelic

This is REALLY way off topic, but i was wondering if there are any legal minds out there that can tell me the normal length of time to settle an Estate, i.e. must it be completed within so many days/months/years of the opening of the probate? (yes i'm a paralegal but a personal injury paralegal), i know ZERO about probate.

First, it's state law so each state has different rules. However, in most cases, there isn't a normal time.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Misstoyou

quote:

ORIGINAL: JohnWarren

quote:

ORIGINAL: angelic

This is REALLY way off topic, but i was wondering if there are any legal minds out there that can tell me the normal length of time to settle an Estate, i.e. must it be completed within so many days/months/years of the opening of the probate? (yes i'm a paralegal but a personal injury paralegal), i know ZERO about probate.

First, it's state law so each state has different rules. However, in most cases, there isn't a normal time.

Before I got smarter and went into teaching [:)], this was one of my main areas of law. John is correct in both his statements, but you still should be able to determine the *minimum* amount of time a probate will need to stay open, in the event the probate is uneventful and done correctly and in a timely manner, based on the creditor's claim period in your state.

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ORIGINAL: angelic
Wow! i had no idea it could literally take years. Thank You very much, Sir!

quote:

ORIGINAL: JohnWarren

quote:

ORIGINAL: angelic
Wow! i had no idea it could literally take years. Thank You very much, Sir!

One of my readers left me a six figure inheritance when he died in 2001. There was a bit of a battle among the other heirs and the IRS got involved. I haven't seen a cent yet and have had to watch as almost $30,000 of the amount has vanished in fees, maintenance and other expenses during that time. You see, it wasn't a dollar figure but a percentage of the estate and the estate included real estate worth millions which has to be maintained.

It can be very frustrating.

I'm hoping that 2006 will be the charm.