My father-in-law passed away in PA 2 1/2 years ago with a will, which went into probate. Only once an attorney contacted us with the information that there is an outstanding 'I owe you', but that this has to be cleared up since it seemed to fall under the 'statute of limitation'.
Questions:
1. Does the probate have to closed within a certain time by the executor?
2. How could we find out if the estate proceedings have been closed, perhaps due to nothing left to distribute?
3. Would the attorney taking care of this matter have to inform us about the closing of probate?
Thank you in advance for all the information you may be able to give.
We live in another state, so it is impossible for us to go to the PA Courthouse.
We are hesitant to contact the attorney as to not incur costs, if there is nothing left to pay him with.

If you were mentioned in the will, then you should be informed about all proceedings. You can contact the probate court in the area where he lived to get the current status.