The answer to this depends on a couple different factors. First (and probably most importantly), the size of the estate. Those with fewer assets may only take around six months, whereas larger ones can take up to a year or more to execute. Another factor is how efficient the probate process is, as well as whether beneficiaries are being difficult or not. If roadblocks are preventing the executor from doing their job, it can take longer for the bequest of assets to occur.