Statutes of Limitation
A statute of limitations sets a limit of the maximum amount of time after a wrong occurs in which a person harmed by that wrong may file a lawsuit. Each state sets its own limitations periods and these periods are often different for different kinds of cases. The limitations periods for filing a probate proceeding are as follows.
An informal probate or appointment proceeding or formal testacy or appointment proceeding must generally be commenced no more than three years after the decedent's death. Several exceptions apply, two of which were if a previous proceeding was dismissed because of doubt of the decedent's death or if a person has been absent, disappeared or missing.