The role of a personal representative, also known as an executor, has many different responsibilities that comes with it, and it is possible that someone serving in this role is unfamiliar with all that is required. Personal representatives and executors have a fiduciary responsibility to follow all applicable laws and to adhere to timeliness when administering the estate. If you are a beneficiary, understanding the timeline for this overall process is essential, especially if you believe that a personal representative is dragging their feet.
An executor or personal representative has numerous tasks to take care of after a decedent passes away, which includes filing a will with the local court, naming and valuing the decedent’s assets, paying any valid debts and notifying creditors that the person has passed away, resolving any tax obligations, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The probate process in California typically takes between a year to a year and a half to complete. This also depends on the volume and complexity of assets involved. Complex estates, creditor claims, beneficiary disputes, and tax complications can further delay final estate administration.
Once the court has approved the final accounting and distribution order, the executor must act promptly to pay beneficiaries. California executors are responsible for completing distributions within a timely manner, usually no later than thirty to sixty days after the court has approved final probate.
If you have questions about how to create your own estate plan and minimize the stress beneficiaries face, contact our law firm in Pasadena today.
