The Probate Timeline: A Month-by-Month Guide to Estate Administration in 2026

By Christopher W. Dumm, J.D., Founder & Principal Attorney, The Law Offices of Christopher W. Dumm

Probate takes 6 to 24 months in most cases, though some estates close faster and others stretch beyond two years. If you just lost someone you love and got handed the job of personal representative, you’re probably wondering how long this probate timeline actually runs and what happens next. I’ve walked hundreds of families through estate administration across Missouri and Arkansas since 1997, and here’s what I can tell you up front. The probate process follows predictable stages with specific court deadlines, but real life rarely sticks to the script. Family disputes add months. Missing bank accounts create delays. Complex real estate requires extra court approval.

You can handle this without losing your mind or your family relationships when you understand what’s coming.

Dumm Takeaways

• Probate in Missouri and Arkansas typically takes 9 to 18 months, but complex estates can stretch beyond two years
• The creditor claims period cannot be rushed and adds three to six months to every probate timeline
• Small estate procedures can close qualifying estates in 2 to 6 months instead of the standard year-long process
• Will contests and family disputes add years to probate and cost more in legal fees than most disputed assets are worth
• Hiring an experienced probate attorney from day one prevents costly mistakes that delay your timeline by months
• Informal probate saves three to six months compared to formal administration when your situation qualifies
• Professional appraisals and prompt responses to court requests keep your case moving forward without unnecessary delays

Table of Contents

• Probate Timeline Overview

• How Long the Probate Timeline Takes

• Probate Timeline Month by Month

• What Delays the Probate Timeline

• How to Speed Up the Probate Timeline

• Small Estate and Informal Probate Timelines

• Missouri vs. Arkansas Probate Timeline

• Probate Timeline FAQ

• Conclusion

How Long Does Probate Take in Missouri and Arkansas

Average Probate Duration by State

Missouri probate typically runs 9 to 18 months for straightforward estates. Arkansas moves slightly faster at 6 to 12 months due to streamlined procedures. I’ve seen both states handle simple cases in under six months when families cooperate and assets are clear. Complex estates with business interests or real estate disputes can stretch beyond two years in either state.

Simple Estates vs. Complex Estates

A simple estate closes faster because we’re dealing with basic assets like bank accounts, personal property, and maybe one piece of real estate. Complex estates involve business valuations, stocks and bonds, multiple properties, or ancillary probate in other states. A 2024 Trust & Will study found the average probate timeline nationally is 20 months, but only 2% of Americans correctly guessed this duration. Here’s what separates the two:

Simple estates typically include:

• Single-family home with clear title
• Standard bank accounts and life insurance
• No business interests or partnerships
• Cooperative beneficiaries who agree on distribution

Complex estates often feature:

• Multiple real estate holdings requiring separate appraisals
• Business ownership requiring succession planning
• Contested validity of the will or beneficiary disputes
• Assets in multiple states triggering ancillary probate

Last spring, I worked with a Springfield widow whose husband left a straightforward estate. One house, two bank accounts, life insurance with beneficiary designations already in place. We closed probate in seven months. Compare that to a Joplin family business owner whose estate included commercial property, LLC interests, and heirs in three states. That case took 22 months even without disputes.

Why Courts Use the 6-24 Month Range

Courts build in time for mandatory legal steps that cannot be rushed. The creditor claims period alone requires three to six months in both Missouri and Arkansas. Add time for the probate hearing, asset inventory, tax returns, and final accounting, and you see why even cooperative families face months of administration. The personal representative must publish notice to creditors, wait for claims, obtain court approval for distributions, and file federal and state taxes before closing. I tell families to expect at least a year for any estate requiring formal probate administration.

The Complete Probate Timeline Broken Down Month by Month

Weeks 1-2 After Death (Immediate Actions Required)

You need to secure the deceased person’s home and personal property immediately. Locate the original will, death certificate, and any trust documents. Contact the estate planning attorney named in the will if one exists. Notify banks and life insurance companies but don’t distribute anything yet. I’ve seen families accidentally give away property before probate opens, creating legal headaches that take months to untangle. Change locks if necessary and forward mail to a secure address.

Month 1 (Filing the Petition and Starting the Process)

We file the probate petition with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where your loved one lived. This petition includes the original will, death certificate, and a list of heirs and beneficiaries. The court schedules an initial probate hearing, usually within 30 to 45 days of filing. Missouri requires publication of the Notice of Probate in a local newspaper. Arkansas follows similar notice requirements. You’ll need the deceased person’s social security number and a complete list of assets for the application for probate.

Months 2-3 (Court Hearings and Legal Appointments)

The probate hearing happens and the judge issues Letters Testamentary or letters of administration, giving you legal authority as personal representative. Now you can open estate accounts at banks, access financial records, and begin the asset inventory. We publish notice to creditors in the newspaper, starting the creditor claims period.

A Bentonville daughter in her early 50s came to our office two months after her father died in 2023. She’d been waiting for “permission” to access his bank accounts. Once we secured her administrative letters, she could finally pay his outstanding bills and start managing estate funds properly. This legal appointment is when probate administration truly begins.

The Middle Months When Most Work Happens (Months 4-9)

The Creditor Claims Period and Why It Cannot Be Rushed

Missouri and Arkansas law mandates a minimum creditor claims period of three to six months after you publish notice to creditors. This timeline protects legitimate creditors and prevents fraud. You cannot distribute estate assets until this period closes, even if beneficiaries are pressuring you. Valid creditors file claims with the court, and you review each one for legitimacy. Medical bills, credit cards, and final utility bills typically qualify. Reject questionable claims in writing with court documentation.

Asset Inventory, Appraisals, and Property Management

You must catalog every asset the deceased owned, from bank accounts to real estate to personal property with significant value. Real estate requires professional appraisals for probate court approval. Stocks and bonds need current valuations as of the date of death. I’ve handled estates where we discovered forgotten payable-on-death accounts or overlooked life insurance proceeds that changed distribution substantially.

A Springfield couple in their late 60s came to me last year managing his brother’s estate. They’d found three storage units full of antique furniture and collectibles nobody knew existed. The appraisal process added four months to their timeline, but proper valuation protected everyone from potential disputes later. Keep estate funds in a separate account and maintain detailed records of every transaction.

Filing Tax Returns and Paying Valid Claims

The estate must file final personal income tax returns for the deceased and possibly estate tax returns if assets exceed federal thresholds. Most estates in Missouri and Arkansas fall below the federal estate tax exemption, but state-specific rules apply. Work with a tax advisor or certified public accountant familiar with estate taxes. Pay valid creditor claims from estate funds before making any distributions to beneficiaries. Document every debt payment with receipts and court filings.

Final Distribution and Closing the Estate (Months 9-18)

Preparing Final Accounting for Court Review

Your final accounting documents every dollar that came into and left the estate during probate administration. List all assets at death, income earned, expenses paid, creditor claims satisfied, and proposed distribution amounts. The court reviews this accounting to ensure you managed estate funds properly and followed probate law. I recommend creating this document as you go rather than scrambling at the end. Include bank statements, receipts, appraisal reports, and tax return confirmations as supporting evidence.

The Final Hearing and Asset Distribution Process

The court schedules a final hearing to review your accounting and approve distribution of the estate. Beneficiaries receive notice and can object if they disagree with your management or proposed distribution. Most final hearings in Missouri and Arkansas take 15 to 30 minutes when everything is properly documented. The judge issues a final order of discharge authorizing you to distribute assets according to the will or intestacy laws.

A Joplin widow in her 70s wrapped up her husband’s estate in early 2024 after 14 months of careful administration. She’d kept meticulous records from day one, and her final hearing lasted just 18 minutes. The judge praised her organization, signed the discharge order, and she distributed property and real estate to their three adult children the following week. Transfer real estate deeds, close bank accounts, and deliver personal property according to court approval.

Formally Closing the Estate and Releasing the Executor

After you complete all distributions, file a petition for Release from Administration with the probate court. This document confirms you’ve distributed everything, paid all claims, filed required tax returns, and fulfilled your duties as personal representative. The court issues a final discharge releasing you from further responsibility. Keep copies of all court documents, the final accounting, and distribution receipts for at least seven years. Your fiduciary powers end when the court signs the release.

Table: Month-by-Month Probate Checklist for Personal Representatives

Timeline	Required Actions	Legal Documents Needed
Weeks 1-2	Secure property, locate will, obtain death certificates	Original will, death certificate (10+ certified copies)
Month 1	File probate petition, schedule hearing	Probate petition, will, death certificate, heir list
Months 2-3	Attend hearing, obtain letters, open estate account, publish creditor notice	Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
Months 4-6	Complete asset inventory, order appraisals, review creditor claims	Inventory of Assets, professional appraisals, creditor claims
Months 6-9	Pay valid claims, manage estate property, file tax returns	Tax returns (personal and estate), claim payment receipts
Months 9-12	Prepare final accounting, petition for distribution	Final accounting, distribution petition, beneficiary receipts
Months 12-18	Final hearing, distribute assets, close estate	Final order of discharge, distribution receipts, closing documents

What Actually Delays the Probate Timeline (And How to Avoid These Problems)

Will Contests and Family Disputes That Add Years

Approximately 3% of wills are contested in the United States, according to American Bar Association research, but these disputes dramatically extend probate duration. Someone might object to the validity of a will claiming undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper execution. Contested cases take two to three times longer than uncontested probate, often stretching beyond 24 months. Ambrose Bierce once wrote that death is not the end, there remains the litigation over the estate. I’ve watched families spend years in court battles that cost more in legal fees than the disputed assets were worth.

Complex Assets Like Business Interests and International Property

Business valuations, partnership buyouts, and commercial real estate require expert appraisals and often trigger ancillary probate in multiple states. International property adds layers of complexity with foreign probate laws and currency exchange complications.

A Bentonville restaurant owner who passed in 2022 left his daughter managing an estate that included three LLC interests, commercial kitchen equipment, supplier contracts, and rental property in Texas. We needed separate probate proceedings in Arkansas and Texas, business valuation experts, and negotiations with his business partners. What should have taken 12 months stretched to 26 months. Real estate sales during probate require court approval and proper marketing, adding three to six months minimum.

Missing Heirs, Incomplete Documentation, and Court Backlogs

You cannot close an estate until you locate all legal heirs, even distant relatives entitled under intestate succession laws. Missing beneficiary designations on life insurance or retirement accounts create disputes about whether those assets are probate or nonprobate property. Court backlogs in busy counties delay hearings by weeks or months. Here are the most common documentation problems I see:

Documents that cause delays when missing:

• Original will (copies require additional court procedures)
• Complete asset inventory with account numbers
• Death certificates (you’ll need multiple certified copies)
• Property deeds and vehicle titles
• Business operating agreements and partnership documents

A 2024 study found that only 65% of Americans understand what probate means, which explains why families often arrive unprepared. We spent four months last year tracking down a missing heir for a Springfield estate because the deceased never mentioned having a half-brother in another state.

Proven Strategies to Speed Up Probate and Reduce Family Stress

Hire an Experienced Probate Attorney from Day One

An estate lawyer who knows Missouri and Arkansas probate procedures prevents costly mistakes that add months to your timeline. We know which forms the court requires, proper creditor notification procedures, and how to handle unexpected complications before they become disasters. Benjamin Franklin said that by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. This applies directly to probate administration. Families who wait until problems arise spend more time and money fixing avoidable errors than they would have spent on legal guidance from the start.

Get Professional Appraisals and Respond to Court Requests Promptly

Courts move your case forward when you submit requested documents on time. Late responses push your hearing dates back by weeks or months. Hire qualified appraisers for real estate, business interests, and valuable personal property immediately after receiving letters of authority. Professional valuations prevent beneficiary disputes about asset values later.

A Springfield son managing his mother’s estate in 2023 ordered appraisals within two weeks of his appointment. His promptness shaved three months off the typical timeline because we had accurate values ready when the court needed them for final accounting. Track every court deadline on your calendar and submit filings at least one week early when possible.

Consider Small Estate Procedures and Informal Probate Options

Missouri offers small estate affidavits for estates under $40,000 without real property, closing probate in weeks instead of months. Arkansas provides similar small estate procedures for qualifying estates. Informal probate administration in both states requires less court supervision and fewer hearings than formal probate methods. Here’s when these shortcuts work:

Small estate procedures work best for:

• Estates with total value under state thresholds
• No real estate or complex assets
• Clear beneficiaries with no disputes
• Simple bank accounts and personal property
• Cooperative family members who agree on distribution

Ask your probate attorney whether your situation qualifies for simplified procedures. We’ve closed small estates in eight weeks using these methods compared to the typical 12-month formal probate timeline.

Formal vs. Informal Probate and Small Estate Shortcuts

When Small Estate Affidavits Can Close an Estate in 2-6 Months

Missouri allows small estate affidavits when the total probate estate value stays under $40,000 and includes no real property. Arkansas sets its small estate threshold at $100,000, giving families more flexibility. You file a simple affidavit with the court, wait the required period, then distribute assets without full probate administration. These procedures skip the lengthy creditor claims period and multiple court hearings. I’ve helped families close qualifying estates in six to eight weeks using small estate procedures instead of the standard year-long process.

Informal Probate vs. Formal Administration

Informal probate requires fewer court appearances and less judicial supervision throughout the process. You still file a probate petition and receive letters of administration, but ongoing court approval isn’t required for routine decisions. Formal probate demands court permission for asset sales, creditor claim resolutions, and final distributions. Informal cases typically close in 9 to 12 months, saving three to six months compared to formal administration. Research shows that intestate probate cases without a valid will take 25% longer on average than cases with proper estate planning.

A Joplin widow in her mid-60s qualified for informal probate in 2024 because her husband’s will was clear, beneficiaries cooperated, and no disputes arose. We closed her case in 10 months compared to the 16-month average for formal cases that year.

Missouri and Arkansas Probate Differences You Need to Know

Arkansas generally moves faster than Missouri due to streamlined court procedures and shorter statutory waiting periods. Missouri requires publication of notice to creditors for six months in many counties, but Arkansas often closes the creditor claims period in three months. Arkansas allows transfer-on-death deeds for real estate, letting property pass outside probate entirely.

Missouri adopted similar beneficiary deed statutes but with different technical requirements. Both states recognize living trusts as probate avoidance tools. Court filing fees and attorney costs vary between states, with Arkansas typically running slightly lower for standard estates.

Table: Missouri vs. Arkansas Probate Timeline Comparison

Probate Stage	Missouri Timeline	Arkansas Timeline
Small Estate Threshold	Under $40,000 (no real estate)	Under $100,000
Small Estate Duration	2-6 months	2-4 months
Creditor Claims Period	6 months (most counties)	3-4 months
Informal Probate Average	12-15 months	9-12 months
Formal Probate Average	15-18 months	12-15 months
Complex Estate Duration	18-24+ months	15-20+ months
Transfer-on-Death Deeds	Available (beneficiary deeds)	Available (simpler process)
Court Filing Fees	$200-$400 (varies by county)	$150-$300 (varies by county)

Why Families Choose The Law Offices of Christopher W. Dumm for Probate Guidance

27+ Years Guiding Families Through Estate Administration Across Four States

Since 1997, I’ve helped hundreds of families handle probate administration in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas. We understand regional differences in probate law, court procedures, and filing requirements. You’re known by your name, not a number.

We Explain Complicated Probate Steps with Clarity

I explain the probate process using plain language and real-world examples that make sense. One client told us working with our firm felt like talking with a pastor more than a lawyer. We answer your questions completely.

Fast Solutions for Unexpected Challenges When You Need Help Most

When unexpected problems arise during estate administration, we provide immediate legal guidance to keep your case moving forward. We’ve handled will contests, missing heirs, complex business valuations, and creditor disputes. Our clients stay with us for decades because we deliver results.

Our probate services include:

• Complete estate administration from petition to final discharge
• Creditor claim management and debt payment guidance
• Asset inventory and professional appraisal coordination
• Tax return preparation assistance with qualified advisors
• Dispute resolution to maintain family harmony
• Small estate procedures when you qualify

Estate planning is an everlasting gift you give your family. Let us help protect yours with compassionate probate guidance and proven legal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I miss a probate deadline?

Missing court deadlines can delay your case by weeks or months and may result in removal as personal representative. Courts take filing deadlines seriously, so respond to all notices of probate promptly and track every submission date on your calendar to avoid complications.

2. Can joint ownership help avoid probate entirely?

Yes, property held in joint ownership with rights of survivorship passes directly to the surviving owner outside probate. This works for real estate, bank accounts, and investment accounts, but doesn’t cover all assets or replace comprehensive estate planning for your entire estate.

3. What is a Probate Referee and when do I need one?

A Probate Referee is a court-appointed appraiser who values estate assets for probate purposes in some states. Missouri and Arkansas typically use independent professional appraisers instead, but the role serves the same purpose of providing unbiased asset valuations for the Inventory of Assets.

4. How do I know when estate closure is actually complete?

Signs of estate closure include receiving the final order of discharge from the court, completing all asset distributions to beneficiaries, closing estate bank accounts, and filing your Release from Administration petition. You should receive certified letters confirming the court has released you from all fiduciary duties.

5. What is fiduciary bonding and will I need it as personal representative?

Fiduciary bonding is insurance that protects beneficiaries if you mishandle estate funds during probate administration. Missouri and Arkansas courts may waive the bond requirement if the will specifically requests it or all beneficiaries agree in writing to waive the bond.

6. Can I handle a probate sale of real estate without court approval?

No, probate sale of estate real estate requires court approval in both Missouri and Arkansas. You must petition the court, provide proper notice to beneficiaries, obtain professional appraisals, and demonstrate the sale serves the estate’s best interests before proceeding.

7. What’s the difference between Notice of Administration and notificación a acreedores?

Notice of Administration is the formal court filing that starts the creditor claims period, and notificación a acreedores is simply the Spanish-language version of creditor notice. Both serve the same legal purpose of informing potential creditors they must file claims within the statutory deadline.

8. Should I work with investment advisers during probate administration?

Yes, investment advisers can help manage estate stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts during the probate timeline to preserve asset value. We often coordinate with trust companies and financial professionals to ensure proper asset management until final distribution to beneficiaries occurs.

Conclusion

The probate timeline doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you have experienced legal guidance walking beside you. I’ve spent 27+ years helping families in Missouri and Arkansas handle estate administration with clarity, compassion, and expertise you can trust. You deserve a probate attorney who explains the process in plain language and protects what took your family a lifetime to build. Let’s discuss your specific situation and create a personalized plan that brings peace of mind during this difficult time.

Book a free consultation today and discover how we make complicated probate steps manageable.