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ARTICLE · 07 FEBRUARY 2025

How Long Does An Executor Have To Distribute Funds To Beneficiaries?

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Beneficiaries of an estate often want to know how long they should expect to wait to receive their share of the estate.

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial
Christopher Crisman-Cox
Christopher Crisman-Cox
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Beneficiaries of an estate often want to know how long they should expect to wait to receive their share of the estate.

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question, as the timeline can vary considerably depending on the specific circumstances of the estate.

The executor's year: A traditional rule of thumb

As a starting point, there is a traditional rule of thumb known as the "executor's year." This guideline suggests that an executor is generally expected to complete the administration and distribution of an estate within appropriately one year from the date of the deceased's death.

However, the "executor's year" is not a strict rule. It serves as a rough estimate of how long it should take an executor to deal with an estate, originating from an earlier (and simpler) time.

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