how long can a probate last?

Question

how many years can it go on for?

Answer 1

It all depends on your state rules. Ask the probate clerk or judge when you see them. You may find information on the internet too.

Answer 2

Depends on whether the will is straightforward or ambiguous, whether the estate is modest or large, how many heirs there are, whether the heirs are all children of the decedent or whether half-brothers and sisters, whether the will favors a second wife over the children of the first wife, what the estate tax issues are, whether the estate consisted of something easy to value, like publicly traded stocks, difficult to value like a private business or real estate, where the heirs are located, in how many states the estate's property is located, whether the estate has claims against it by third parties or against third parties, that will have to be resolved before the probate can be completed.