Q: My Aunt died 13 years ago and her brother, my uncle, whom she was the court appointed guardian of died 11 years ago.
The Arkansas lawyer appointed as my aunt's executor upon her death has NOT closed either of their estates. They were simple cases, with simple wills, with minimal moneys and little property involved. The wills were followed per each of my Aunt and Uncle's wishes. The Arkansas lawyer fails to communicate adequately and, when he finally does, there is always a reason why he cannot close the estates (the bank won't return my calls; the paperwork was misfiled; I'm still waiting on the documents from so and so; I got sick; my daughter got sick; I went on vacation; etc..).
Is this normal procedure for processing wills in Arkansas? Should it take ten or more years to close an estate in Arkansas with no one disputing the wills? Do you have any advice? My father has only about 2 years to live and I do not want for his sister's and brother's estate problem to become mine to deal with for another 10 years or longer. Is there a statue of limitations for closing an estate? Or something?
A: File a complaint with the State Bar of Arkansas.
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