How Long After Death Do You Get Your Inheritance? A Complete Timeline Guide

It’s hard enough to deal with grief when a loved one dies without having to worry about their estate. People who are supposed to get an inheritance often ask, “When will I actually get my inheritance?” The answer isn’t always clear, and the time frame can change a lot depending on a number of factors.

This guide has everything you need to know about what to expect during the inheritance process and why it might take longer than you’d like.

The Short Answer: It Depends

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Generally, you can expect:

• Simple estates: Possibly settled within 6 months
• Average estates: 9 months to 1 year
• Complex estates: 1 to 2+ years
• Contested estates: Could take several years

Don’t worry, though; I’ll explain why these timelines are so different and what to expect at each step of the way.

Initial Steps After Someone Dies

Before any inheritance can be distributed, several important things need to happen:

Locating Estate Planning Documents

The very first step is finding the deceased person’s will, trust documents, or other estate planning papers. This is crucial because these documents:

• Name the executor or trustee who will manage the estate
• Specify how assets should be distributed
• May contain special instructions about funeral arrangements

If no will exists (called dying “intestate”), state laws will determine who inherits what, and the court will need to appoint an administrator.

Securing the Deceased’s Assets

The executor’s immediate responsibility is to secure all assets belonging to the deceased. This includes:

• Taking inventory of real estate properties
• Securing vehicles, boats, or other physical assets
• Identifying and protecting valuable items
• Collecting mail and important documents
• Closing or freezing financial accounts until they can be properly managed

Obtaining Death Certificates

Multiple certified copies of the death certificate will be needed throughout the process. These are used for:

• Submitting life insurance claims
• Changing titles on assets
• Notifying government agencies
• Closing accounts
• Various other administrative tasks

The Probate Process: What You Need to Know

Many people don’t realize that the majority of inheritances go through a legal process called probate. This court-supervised procedure validates the will and oversees the distribution of assets.

What is Probate?

Probate is basically the legal process that

1. Confirms a will is valid (if one exists)
2. Appoints an executor or administrator
3. Identifies and inventories the deceased’s property
4. Has assets appraised
5. Pays off any debts and taxes
6. Distributes remaining assets to rightful heirs

How Long Does Probate Take?

Probate can take a long time; it usually takes between 6 months and 2 years to finish. For smaller estates, some states have made the process easier, but larger estates almost always need full probate.

As ACTEC Fellow Kerri Mast explains, “Simple estates might be settled within six months. Complex estates, those with a lot of assets or assets that are complex or hard to value can take several years to settle.”

Can Probate Be Avoided?

Yes! Some assets bypass probate entirely, which means beneficiaries might receive these much sooner:

• Assets in a living trust
• Accounts with designated beneficiaries (retirement accounts, life insurance)
• Jointly owned property with right of survivorship
• Payable-on-death accounts

As noted by ACTEC Fellow Kerri Mast, “If assets are owned by a revocable trust or a living trust, the court may not need to be involved with those assets. That’s the case as well for assets that are controlled by beneficiary designation form, such a 401(k)s, IRAs, or life insurance.”

Major Factors That Affect Your Inheritance Timeline

Several key factors can significantly impact how long it takes to receive your inheritance:

1. Estate Complexity

The more complex the estate, the longer the settlement process:

• Simple estates with a clear will, few assets, and no complications might settle within months
• Complex estates with businesses, multiple properties, or unusual assets may take years
• International assets add extra layers of complexity and time

2. Will Contests and Family Disputes

If anyone challenges the validity of the will or disagrees about asset distribution, expect significant delays:

• Will contests may require court hearings
• Family disagreements can halt distribution
• Litigation can extend the timeline by months or years

3. Estate Taxes

If the estate is large enough to owe taxes, this can extend the timeline:

• Federal estate tax returns (Form 706) are due 9 months after death
• The IRS can take 12+ months to review and approve tax filings
• State estate taxes may also apply, depending on location

As The Balance notes, “When estates owe estate taxes, they typically can’t close until receiving written approval from the IRS or the state taxing authority.”

4. Creditor Claims Period

Before distributing assets, the executor must notify potential creditors and allow time for claims:

• Most states allow creditors 3-6 months to make claims
• The executor must verify and pay valid debts
• This period must legally expire before assets can be distributed

5. Asset Liquidity Issues

Some estates contain assets that are difficult to divide or sell:

• Real estate might take time to sell
• Business interests may need valuation and complex arrangements
• Collectibles might require appraisals and finding appropriate buyers

The Executor’s Role in Distributing Inheritance

The executor (or personal representative) plays a critical role in the inheritance timeline. Their responsibilities include:

1. Creating an inventory of all assets and getting them appraised
2. Paying debts and expenses from the estate funds
3. Filing tax returns for the deceased and the estate
4. Distributing assets according to the will or state law

Good executors communicate regularly with beneficiaries about the timeline and any delays. However, they must follow a specific legal order of operations, and distributing assets too early could leave them personally liable for unpaid debts or taxes.

Types of Inheritances and Their Timelines

Different types of inheritances may be distributed on different schedules:

Specific Bequests

These are specific items or amounts of money left to particular people. According to Kerri Mast, “If you are getting a specific bequest, a certain amount of money, the executor might be able to distribute that to you right after creditors are paid.”

Residuary Estate

The “residuary estate” is everything left after specific bequests, debts, and taxes. This typically takes longer to receive because it can only be calculated and distributed after everything else is settled.

As Kerri Mast notes, “If you are getting a residual bequest – the money that’s leftover at the end of estate administration – the executor has to wait to pay you until the creditors are paid and the specific bequests are paid out.”

Trust Distributions

Assets in trusts often transfer more quickly since they usually avoid probate. However, the terms of the trust dictate the distribution timeline, which might specify:

• Immediate distribution
• Distribution at certain ages
• Regular payments over time
• Distributions only for specific purposes

Common Questions About Inheritance Timelines

Can I Get an Advance on My Inheritance?

While it’s sometimes possible to receive a partial distribution before the estate is fully settled, this is at the executor’s discretion and depends on:

• Estate liquidity
• Certainty about debts and taxes
• The size of your share relative to potential expenses

Remember that executors are legally liable if they distribute assets too early and later discover debts or taxes that can’t be paid.

What If the Executor Is Taking Too Long?

If you believe the executor is unnecessarily delaying the process:

1. First, request a status update and timeline
2. Ask for an accounting of estate activities
3. If concerns persist, consult with an estate attorney
4. As a last resort, petition the court for executor removal (but this will likely cause further delays)

Can I Speed Up the Inheritance Process?

While much of the timeline is determined by legal requirements, you can help things move more efficiently by:

• Responding promptly to any requests for information
• Being cooperative with the executor and other beneficiaries
• Avoiding unnecessary disputes or legal challenges
• Having realistic expectations about the timeline

Preparing for Your Inheritance

While waiting for your inheritance, it’s wise to:

1. Avoid counting on inheritance money for immediate needs
2. Consult with a financial advisor about how to manage your inheritance
3. Research tax implications that might apply to your inheritance
4. Be patient with the process and the executor

The Bottom Line: Patience Is Key

Receiving an inheritance almost always takes longer than beneficiaries expect. The legal processes designed to protect all interested parties—beneficiaries, creditors, and tax authorities—require careful attention and time.

As Julie Garber notes in The Balance, “A simple estate or trust can often be settled within a few months, while a complicated estate or trust can take a year or more to close.”

While waiting, maintain open communication with the executor or trustee, and remember that they’re following necessary legal steps to protect everyone’s interests—including yours.

The most important thing to understand is that inheritance distribution is the FINAL step in settling an estate, coming only after all debts, taxes, and expenses have been paid. This is why patience is so important during what is already a difficult emotional time.

Have you been through the inheritance process before? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!