People are generally aware that “probate” takes place after a person passes, but are typically not as aware of the associated details and potential time-frame involved.
Very simply, probate is the process by which a person’s assets change hands at their death.
If a person dies and his or her will says that all assets are to go to the children, the children cannot take possession of those assets until the will and other papers have been filed with the probate court, and the probate court has given its approval.
The whole process takes at least six months, and often longer.