What is probate in Delaware?
Probate is the process of settling a person's estate after death. In Delaware, it is handled through the Register of Wills in the county where the person lived. The process confirms the will, pays debts and taxes, and distributes what remains.
What does the executor do?
The executor, or personal representative, is responsible for carrying the estate through to the end. Duties often include:
- Identifying and gathering the estate's assets
- Notifying and paying valid creditors
- Handling required tax filings
- Distributing what is left to the heirs or beneficiaries
How long does probate take?
Timelines vary with the size and complexity of the estate, and many estates take several months to more than a year. Disputes or hard-to-value assets can extend the process.
How Suzanne helps
Suzanne helps executors meet their duties correctly and helps families resolve questions with as little friction as possible.
Call 302.661.0400 to talk.
Common questions
Is probate always required in Delaware?
Not always. Assets that pass through a trust, by beneficiary designation, or by joint ownership often avoid probate. Other assets generally go through the process.
What happens if there is no will?
The estate is administered under Delaware's intestacy laws, which determine who inherits and in what shares.