How long can an executor wait before starting probate?

Timing matters because legal authority can change once probate is opened, a fiduciary is appointed, or another triggering event occurs. For this legal issue, a beneficiary may be able to request information, ask the probate court to set deadlines, or seek another fiduciary if delay is harming the estate. For this legal issue, the correct remedy depends on whether probate has been opened and why the delay is occurring. Probate, trust, property, and family rules differ from state to state, so a local attorney should check the governing documents and the current court or title record before anyone makes a move that would be difficult to undo.