Most guides call New York's 7-month window a creditor deadline. It isn't — it's a liability shield for the executor, and that distinction changes how you should plan around it.
Pick the options that match your estate — the estimate updates instantly.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
| Milestone | New York rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Creditor safe-harbor period | 7 months from Letters issuing (not a claim bar) | SCPA § 1802 |
| Notice to creditors published | Not required | — |
| Inventory due | Within 6 months of Letters | Uniform Rule 207.20 |
| Executor's response to a presented claim | ~90 days to accept or reject | SCPA § 1806 |
| Estate tax return (if required) | Form ET-706 within 9 months of death | NYS Tax Law |
Commonly 9 to 18 months, and longer in busy Surrogate's Courts like New York County and Kings. A simple, uncontested estate with cooperative heirs can close in 7 to 9 months; a will contest or a required estate-tax filing extends it well beyond that.
Not the way it works in most states. SCPA § 1802 protects the fiduciary from personal liability for good-faith distributions made after 7 months from Letters issuing — it doesn't bar the creditor's claim itself, which can still be pursued afterward, generally against the distributees rather than the fiduciary.
No. Unlike most states, New York does not require the fiduciary to publish notice to unknown creditors in a newspaper — the SCPA § 1802 clock runs regardless.
Within 6 months of receiving Letters, under Uniform Rule 207.20 — a separate deadline from the 7-month creditor safe-harbor period under SCPA § 1802.
This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on New York statute (SCPA § 1802, 1803, 1806, 1301; Uniform Rule 207.20). Actual timelines depend on the specific Surrogate's Court's calendar, whether the estate is contested, and how quickly the fiduciary files. Confirm current timelines with the Surrogate's Court or a licensed New York attorney before acting.