How long do debt collectors have to collect from an estate?

Contrary to popular belief, debt collectors have a limited amount of time to file claims against an estate. Hanizam/Getty Images A loved one's death often leaves their family members juggling responsibilities they were not fully prepared to handle. Part of the issue is that when someone dies, settling their financial affairs is rarely as straightforward as simply distributing what's left according to what's outlined in their will. Before any heirs receive their inheritances, the estate typically has to move through probate, which is a legal process that allows creditors to seek payment for any outstanding debts using the deceased person's assets. The probate process can quickly become complicated for the person responsible for administering the estate, though. In addition to gathering financial records and valuing assets, the estate's executor must determine which creditor claims are legitimate , which debts should be paid first, and, perhaps most importantly, whether a debt collector actually still has the legal right to pursue payment at all. Debt collectors don't have an unlimited amount of time to file claims against an estate, after all, and missing those deadlines can affect whether they're entitled to receive payment. So, how long do creditors and debt collectors really have to collect from an estate? That's what we'll outline below. Get the help you need with your high-rate debt today . …