After the claim is presented, the executor investigates the validity of the debt or claim.  If it is valid, then it is paid.  If the executor denies the claim, then the creditor must file a law suit against the estate to enforce the claim.  The executor has the power to settle claims against an estate to avoid the cost and risk of litigation.

The executor or administrator must pay the debts of the decedent.  However, the debts may not be known.  Thus, creditors must send written notice to the executor/administrator of the claim.  The executor can then determine the validity of the claim and pay it or deny it.  A claim must be presented to the executor or administrator in writing within six months of the date of death.  Otherwise, the claim is forever barred and is no longer valid.  A claim against the estate does not become the obligation of the executor/administrator or the beneficiary.  The creditor simply does not get paid.

• One month – file the will and have the fiduciary appointed (i.e., the fiduciary is called an executor if there is a will, or an administrator if there is no will)
• Three months – will contest period ends and the inventory is filed
• Six months – creditors must make claims or else their claims are barred
• Nine months – estate tax returns are due
• Six months to one year (or more) – make final distributions to the heirs and file the final account

For a detailed list of due dates and a typical timetable, see:

http://www.probatect.org/services/instructions/pdf/fullAdministrationInstruct.pdf