Home » Timing
We live in a time when tasks can be completed fast. Technology has made this possible. We expect fast. We are annoyed when things are not fast.
But unfortunately, probate is not fast. It is a slow process.
From the time the probate application is submitted to the time where the probate is closed, six months may have elapsed. That is if everything goes as planned. We usually tell clients to expect 6 to 8 months.
But there are circumstances that can draw out the probate process. A family dispute. Missing records. The probate court having too many cases. The probate court assigning an unresponsive attorney ad litem. These are just a few factors that can slow the process down.
And there are some instances when you may want to hold the probate process open longer. For example, it may be beneficial to hold the probate process open longer if one of the heirs is a minor. It may be easier to wait until they turn 18 to distribute property to them.
You can read more about the probate process in our Texas Probate Guide.