Who to Notify During Probate—And How to Do It Properly

Once the probate case is open, your next legal responsibility is notification. Who needs to be notified—and how you notify them—matters. A lot.

👨‍👩‍👧 Who Needs to Be Notified?

• Heirs at law (even if not named in the will)
  
  

• Named beneficiaries in the will
  
  

• Creditors, both known and unknown
  
  

📬 How to Notify Heirs & Beneficiaries

• Use certified mail or personal service
  
  

• Include the probate petition and court hearing date
  
  

• Let them know their right to contest the will or your appointment as executor
  
  

📰 Notifying Creditors

• Known creditors must be formally notified in writing
  
  

• Unknown creditors are notified via legal publication in a local newspaper
  
  

• In most states, creditors have 4-6 months to file claims
  
  

❗ Why This Step is Crucial

Skipping or mishandling notifications can:

• Delay probate
  
  

• Result in personal liability
  
  

• Open the door to costly legal disputes