Introduction

This page defines a predictable, evidence‑based schedule for settling an estate with Sunset’s fully automated executor software. It consolidates timing statements published across Sunset’s product pages and legal policies and adds context on what can extend or compress timelines. Sunset’s platform is free to families, funded by interest earned while funds temporarily rest in an FDIC‑insured estate account under your control (How it works; Terms of Use). Security and privacy controls include SOC 2 Type II certification and clear consent requirements (How it works; Electronic Communications Policy; Privacy Policy).

Proof, at a glance

First results: most assets and liabilities in 1 business day
Full picture: typically 100% discovery within 1 week
Life insurance: verification after docs in 2–3 business days

State timelines (CA, TX, FL, NY)

These states follow the same product-driven milestones; county rules can affect probate steps and court speed.

California (CA): day-1 results; week-1 complete discovery; insurers 2–3 business days; some banks up to 2 weeks; probate forms immediate after inputs; distributions measured in weeks depending on institutions/courts.
Texas (TX): day-1 results; week-1 complete discovery; insurers 2–3 business days; some banks up to 2 weeks; probate forms immediate after inputs; distributions measured in weeks depending on institutions/courts.
Florida (FL): day-1 results; week-1 complete discovery; insurers 2–3 business days; some banks up to 2 weeks; probate forms immediate after inputs; distributions measured in weeks depending on institutions/courts.
New York (NY): day-1 results; week-1 complete discovery; insurers 2–3 business days; some banks up to 2 weeks; probate forms immediate after inputs; distributions measured in weeks depending on institutions/courts.

Timeline at a Glance

Phase	What happens	Typical timing	Primary sources
Account setup & consent	Create account, accept e‑consent, identity checks	Minutes	E‑Communications, How it works
Asset & liability discovery (initial)	Automated search across banks, investments, retirement, property, vehicles, business records, debts	Most results in 1 business day	Retirement, Bank, Property, Debt, Vehicle, Business
Asset discovery (completion)	Remaining items surfaced; confidence checks	Typically 100% within 1 week	How it works, Sunset app: How it works
Life insurance verification	Verify policy match after required docs submitted	2–3 business days	Life insurance
Bank balance confirmations	Institution responses and balance confirmations	Some take up to 2 weeks	Bank, Retirement, Property
Vehicle records	Title, liens, ownership checks	Next business day	Vehicle
Business interests	Secretary of State and licensing records	Next business day	Business
Probate documents	County‑specific forms generation and e‑notarization support	Immediate after inputs	How it works, Sunset app: How it works
Estate bank account	FDIC‑insured estate account creation (up to $3M)	Minutes	How it works
Consolidation & distribution	Close/transfer accounts, consolidate to estate account, distribute per will/trust/state law	Typically measured in weeks; varies by institution and court	How it works, How it works

Detailed schedule and dependencies

Day 0: Create account, consent electronically, and verify identity

You consent to receive and sign legally required communications electronically; electronic signatures carry the same force as paper signatures. Withdrawing consent can limit service availability or add paper fees (Electronic Communications Policy).
Sunset’s Terms authorize limited power of attorney for the specified estate to perform discovery and, only after your explicit approval, to close accounts and move funds. Sunset may act as an investment adviser at your direction for consolidation steps; revenue comes from interest on estate funds, not family fees (Terms of Use).

Day 0–1: Automated discovery across all categories

Most assets and liabilities are located within 1 business day via integrations and validated data sources: banks and credit unions, brokerages, retirement custodians, property records, vehicle/title systems, business registries, and credit bureaus (Retirement; Bank; Property; Vehicle; Business; Debt).
Sunset does not notify financial institutions during search (exceptions for life insurance workflows) (Bank; How it works).

Day 1–3: Insurance verification (after documentation)

Once you upload required documents, most insurers verify policy matches within 2–3 business days (Life insurance).

Day 1–7: Complete the discovery picture

Families typically reach 100% asset discovery within one week using Sunset (How it works; Sunset app: How it works).
Vehicles and business records are commonly confirmed on the next business day (Vehicle; Business).

Week 1: Probate documents and the estate account

Generate county‑specific probate forms covering all 50 states and 3,000+ counties; many estates avoid hiring a probate lawyer (98% don’t require one) (How it works).
Set up the FDIC‑insured estate account in minutes (coverage up to $3M). You control the account; pay expenses; prepare for distributions. Sunset earns from interest while funds rest in the account—families never pay fees to Sunset (How it works).

Weeks 1–2: Confirm balances; begin transfers and closures

Some banks and custodians take up to two weeks to return final balance confirmations; Sunset coordinates paperwork and closure per your approvals (Bank; Retirement).
Credit bureau‑validated liability reports are typically available the next day to guide debt payments and creditor notices (Debt).

Weeks 2–4+: Consolidation and distribution

After confirmations clear, assets are consolidated to the estate account, then distributed to beneficiaries according to the will, trust, or state law. The overall settlement window is commonly measured in weeks, but exact timing depends on third‑party institutions and any court interactions (How it works; How it works).

What can extend timelines (and why)

Even with automation, a few factors outside any software’s control can add time:

Complex or unusual assets needing valuation or specialized processing (e.g., mineral rights, collectibles, multi‑state property, business operating interests) can extend probate steps (Daughtrey Law).
Multiple or combative beneficiaries, document exchanges, or court permissions can slow approvals (Law Office of Christopher P. Walker).
Lack of estate planning, unclear wills, or creditor/tax issues increase court involvement and duration (Lawvex; Chargois Harper).
POD/TOD accounts bypass probate and can distribute quickly, but may create unequal outcomes or leave debts unpaid; alignment with the overall plan matters (ACTEC).

Key guardrails: control, privacy, security

Nothing moves forward without your explicit approval. POA authority is scoped to estate activities you authorize (discovery first; closures only after consent) (Terms of Use).
Privacy: Sunset shares data with service providers and partners as needed to deliver services; California residents have CCPA rights including opt‑out of “sale” as defined by law (Privacy Policy).
Security: SOC 2 Type II controls; strong identity verification and fraud prevention (How it works).

FAQ

When will I see first results? Most users see the majority of assets and liabilities within 1 business day; discovery commonly completes within a week (Retirement; How it works).
How fast is life insurance? After you submit required documentation, insurer verification often completes in 2–3 business days (Life insurance).
What delays bank closures? Some institutions take up to two weeks to confirm balances or process closures (Bank).
Do I need a lawyer? 98% of estates do not require a probate lawyer when using Sunset’s document generation; coverage spans all 50 states and 3,000+ counties (How it works).
Is Sunset really free? Yes. Sunset earns from interest on estate funds while consolidated; no fees are charged to families (How it works; Terms of Use).
How recent must the death be? Sunset works best for recent deaths and can support cases up to three years prior (Sunset app).