Guide
Probate checklist for executors
Step by step probate checklist for executors. What to file, in what order, and how to avoid the common delays.
Probate is the court process that transfers a deceased person's assets to heirs. Most estates move through six stages: file the will, notify heirs and creditors, inventory assets, pay debts and taxes, distribute property, and close the estate. Timelines and thresholds vary by state.
Step by step
File the will and petition
Submit the original will and a probate petition at the county court where your relative lived.
Get appointed
The court issues letters testamentary, which prove your authority to act for the estate.
Notify heirs and creditors
Send written notice to known heirs and publish notice to creditors per state rules.
Inventory the estate
List every asset with a date-of-death value. Many courts require this within 90 days.
Pay debts and taxes
Pay valid claims in priority order, file the final tax return, and address any estate tax.
Distribute and close
Distribute remaining assets and file a final accounting. The court issues an order closing the estate.
Common questions
How long does probate take?
Most estates close in six to twelve months. Real property in multiple states or disputes can extend that to two years or more.
What if there is no will?
Each state has an intestate succession order that distributes assets to the spouse, children, and other relatives in sequence.
Can I do it without a lawyer?
Yes for small or simple estates. Complex ones with business interests, multiple properties, or disputes usually need counsel.