What is a Notice of Proposed Action in a probate sale?
By Sam Yusufi, Certified Probate & Trust SpecialistUpdated
Short answer
A Notice of Proposed Action (NOPA) is a formal written notice the Personal Representative sends to every heir and interested party before selling under full authority. If no one objects within 15 days, the sale moves forward without a court hearing. If someone does object, the sale goes to the court for approval.
In plain English: it's a formal heads-up that says, "Here's the sale we plan to make." It gives everyone with an interest in the estate a chance to speak up before the house is sold.
The 15-day window
If nobody objects within 15 days, the sale proceeds to closing, with no court hearing needed. If someone objects, the sale moves to court confirmation, where other buyers can overbid.
Where families get tripped up
- Missing someone. If an heir doesn't receive the notice correctly, the 15-day clock can start over.
- Not planning for it. Families are often least prepared for this step, so build the 15 days into the timeline from the start.