Re: Probate in Pa.; how long w/ a will (real estate, living)

[Hunter Wold]

I am doing some research for a friend and he said that probate with a will can take up to 5 years to settle?

If you can give some information re this it would be most helpful.

I am also going on line doing research.

HW

[rugerjitsu]

Originally Posted by Hunter Wold

I am doing some research for a friend and he said that probate with a will can take up to 5 years to settle?

If you can give some information re this it would be most helpful.

I am also going on line doing research.

HW

i'm not sure, but i bet a quick phone call to the county courthouse will get you fixed up!

[Hunter Wold]

Originally Posted by rugerjitsu

i'm not sure, but i bet a quick phone call to the county courthouse will get you fixed up!

ok thanks,
HW

[kanling]

The length of time for probate really depends on the nature of the assets and whether there are a large number of arguing beneficiaries or debts. In an easy case, it should take less than a year and assets should be available before that.

There are some simple ways to avoid probate on some assets. Many banks will set up account registration as "payable on death", which bypasses any probate and the beneficiary directly gets the money. That's the easiest thing. You can also do a living trust on real estate, a bit more complex.