Colors of the Rainbow and Their Meanings. The rainbow is a beautiful natural phenomenon; knowing the significance of each of the colors of the rainbow makes it even more beautiful. While Nature or God has created this glorious natural phenomenon; philosophers have given a meaning to its colors.
Minimum Length of Time. Keep the records and papers for any settled estate for at least seven years, if an estate tax return was filed. That is the Internal Revenue Service recommendation for any financial transactions. Under IRS rules, that is the end of the statute of limitations for any kind of auditing.
Probate can take two years, even longer, for a large or contested estate. But the process may last up to six months even for a small, uncomplicated estate. Why does it take so long? One reason is the time allowed for creditors to file claims against the estate. Usually it takes a few weeks to notify creditors after death.