Williston, ND asked in Probate for Oklahoma

Q: Is it possible for probate to last over a year and a half?

My grandfather died in October of 2013, I'm not in touch with the personal representative but my sister says the house is still in probate even though we already received the money part of what our grandpa left us.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Tyler R. Barrett
Tyler R. Barrett
Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Norman, OK
  • Licensed in Oklahoma

A: Probate can be both expensive and time-consuming. For smaller, simpler estates, a probate case in Oklahoma can be completed in a few months. However, several factors can extend this timeline, such as creditor claims, disputes regarding the validity of the will or challenges to appointment of the personal representative and where there is property to be sold.

It's unclear from the information you provided whether your grandpa's house is to be sold. If it is, that could be what's delaying the probate case. That said, it's unusual for assets in a probate to be distributed before the estate is closed. So, in conclusion, it's certainly possible for a probate case to last a year and half. I recommend that you get in touch with personal representative or his/her attorney and ask about the status of the case.

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