How long you have to challenge a will
The United States has no equivalent of a general inheritance recovery claim with a fixed national limitation period. The closest counterpart is the will contest deadline, and it is set by each state probate code. The clock usually starts when the will is admitted to probate or when formal notice goes out to interested parties, and it is short - often measured in months rather than years.
Enter the notice or admission date and the number of days your state allows, and the tool returns the filing deadline and how much time is left today. Because the trigger event differs by state, confirm which event starts your clock before relying on the date.
Basis: representative windows as of September 2026 include California at 120 days after the will is admitted (Cal. Prob. Code 8270), Florida at 90 days after the notice of administration (Fla. Stat. 733.212), and Texas at two years after the will is admitted (Tex. Est. Code 256.204). Your state may differ substantially - check your state probate statute.
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Missing a contest deadline usually ends the claim permanently, and a no-contest clause can carry its own consequences. Consult a licensed probate attorney about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the state. Some start it when the will is admitted to probate, others when formal notice of administration is served on interested parties. Because the windows are short, the safest assumption is the earliest of the possible triggers.
Yes. Trust contests usually run from the date the trustee sends a statutory notification, and that period is often 120 days. It is a different clock from the will contest window, so check both.