Settling an estate is rarely a quick process. In fact, even relatively straightforward matters can take months to complete. While some estates are wrapped up in less than a year, others can take significantly longer depending on the assets involved, whether a will exists, and whether disputes arise among beneficiaries. Read on and reach out to a dedicated Buffalo estate lawyer from Raimondo & Sundquist LLP to learn more about how long it can take to settle an estate and how our team can help. Here are some of the questions you may have:

How Long Can it Take to Settle an Estate in New York?

Although this varies from estate to estate, there are general stages that most estates must go through before assets can be distributed. Some of the most common steps in the estate settlement process are as follows:

  • Filing the will with the Surrogate’s Court and beginning probate, which may take several weeks just for initial processing
  • Identifying and valuing assets such as bank accounts, investments, real estate, and personal property
  • Notifying creditors and allowing time for valid claims to be submitted and reviewed
  • Paying debts, taxes, and administrative expenses before distributions are made
  • Preparing final accounting documents and distributing assets to beneficiaries

In many uncomplicated cases, this process takes roughly nine months to a year, yet estates involving complex assets, tax issues, or disagreements can take several years before everything is finalized.

What Can Potentially Delay the Estate Settlement Process?

Certain issues tend to slow down probate or estate administration, such as the following:

  • Disputes over the validity of a will or disagreements among heirs regarding distributions
  • Difficulty locating beneficiaries or identifying all estate assets
  • Real estate that must be sold before funds can be distributed
  • Ongoing creditor claims or litigation involving the estate
  • Estate tax filings or audits that require additional documentation and review

Is There Anything an Executor or Family Can Do to Speed Things Up?

While some aspects of estate administration are outside anyone’s control, there are certain steps you can take to help keep the process moving forward. These are as follows:

  • Gathering financial documents, account statements, and property records as early as possible
  • Communicating openly with beneficiaries to reduce misunderstandings that might lead to disputes or issues
  • Responding promptly to court requests and creditor notices
  • Working with an experienced estate lawyer who can correctly prepare filings

Ultimately, while settling an estate can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Hiring a knowledgeable estate lawyer can make a world of difference. If you have any additional questions or would like to speak with an attorney about your case, please don’t hesitate to contact Raimondo & Sundquist LLP for an initial consultation today.