Question from Caring.com Community Member, birdland1950
My father left his house to his stepchildren and any cash from his estate goes to us, my father's children. His stepdaughter is the executor. When can I expect payment?
Expert Answer by Barbara Kate Repa
Barbara Repa, a Caring.com senior editor, is an attorney, a journalist specializing in aging issues, and the author of WillMaker, software enabling consumers to write their own wills, health care directives, powers of attorney, and final arrangements.
The law does not impose a specific deadline on executors, but generally requires them to administer a will and distribute the property it covers "within a reasonable time." What's considered "reasonable" depends on how much property is involved, how complex the plans for leaving it -- and in this case, perhaps, how quickly the housing market allows the house to move to a new buyer.
As a very general target, know that most beneficiaries receive the property they're due from six to eighteen months after a death occurs.
