Finalize probate and close the estate

Once the estate’s final bills, debt, and taxes have been paid and the remaining assets have been given to the deceased’s heirs and beneficiaries, the estate can be officially closed and the legal probate process concluded.

In order to do this, the executor or administrator will need to deliver an accounting of all payments and distributions to the probate court for final approval.

The legal probate process will end once a judge approves that all estate obligations have been met.

How long you have to close probate is usually determined by state law and guided by a minimum length of time rather than a maximum length.

The procedures, processes, and timeline that govern this process differ between states, so be sure to check the laws of the state where the deceased lived to ensure compliance with the law.