How Long Does Probate Take in the UK?

The probate timeline has several stages

1. Gather information. Locate the Will, death certificate, asset values and liabilities.
2. Value the estate. Work out whether Inheritance Tax reporting or payment is required.
3. Submit the probate application. Apply online or by post where a Grant is required.
4. Wait for the Grant. GOV.UK currently advises that this usually takes within 12 weeks if there are no problems.
5. Administer the estate. Collect assets, sell property where necessary, settle debts and tax and distribute to beneficiaries.

Why the whole estate can take six to twelve months or longer

A Grant does not mean the estate is ready to distribute immediately. Property sales, complex investments, tax clearance, missing beneficiaries, business interests and claims can all extend the administration. Some straightforward estates finish sooner; complicated estates can take well over a year.

Common causes of delay before the application

• difficulty locating the original Will;
• waiting for date-of-death balances;
• property or business valuations;
• Inheritance Tax calculations;
• questions about gifts made during lifetime;
• uncertainty over executors or beneficiaries.

Common causes of delay after submission

• errors or omissions in the application;
• HMCTS requests for more information;
• a caveat or dispute;
• issues with the Will or execution;
• multiple applications or executor disagreements.

When should you chase probate?

Allow for the current published timescale and check whether HMCTS has requested information. If the application is significantly beyond the expected period, the applicant or probate practitioner can contact the Probate Service. See our detailed probate tracking guide.

What happens after probate is granted?

Executors can use the Grant to close or transfer relevant accounts, sell or transfer property, collect investments and complete the administration. They should avoid distributing too early where tax, debts, claims or unknown liabilities remain unresolved.

Xwills and probate

Xwills does not provide the solicitor-led probate legal service itself. Our Probate hub is guidance content, and where solicitor involvement is required we can point clients towards an independent solicitor.