The distribution of property pursuant to a Last Will and Testament is done through the probate process, by filing a probate action in the appropriate local probate court.
The probate court’s rules will dictate the means, method and duration of contacting potential beneficiaries.
The decision as to a timeline is for the probate court judge to make, not the Executor.
The Executor must conduct an inventory of the property and engage in ‘reasonable due diligence’, reporting back to the probate court his or her findings.
Thus, a particular probate court may set a time limit for the completion of the probating of an estate — but not always.