I had a case come in recently that involved having to open up an estate 3 years after death. Legal requirement is that when that amount of time has passed, a formal petition to probate the estate must be done. This involves more cost, the requirement of accounting(s) etc. Publication is required. Be aware of things like this. This office spends a great deal of time just answering questions. In the case we have now, we'll approach the court looking to wave formal requirements. But it will require the process of obtaining assents. There's a maze involved in adjudicating a deceased final affairs. This office seeks to guide you through.