The length of probate usually depends on the assets involved, the value of the estate, the amount of work performed by the personal representative, the claims of creditors, whether or not there are disputes among heirs or beneficiaries, and whether or not a federal or state estate tax return must be filed. A simple probate can be completed within months and for more involved or complex estates, the probate process will usually require more than a year, and sometimes more than two years.