How Long Does Probate Take? The Key Factors

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, you may be asking yourself: how long does probate take? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of the deceased’s estate, whether there’s a valid Will, and how quickly the necessary paperwork is prepared and submitted.

In the UK, the probate process typically takes between 9 and 12 months from start to finish. However, this timeline can vary significantly, especially in complex estates, or where there are inheritance tax liabilities or disputes between family members.

This information is provided for general discussion and does not constitute legal advice – for any specific queries please contact our office.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. It involves gathering all the deceased's assets, paying any outstanding debts and tax obligations, and then distributing assets to the rightful beneficiaries.

If there is a Will, the executor must apply for a Grant of Probate, a legal document that gives them the authority to manage the estate. If there is no Will, the process is governed by intestacy rules, and a close relative can apply for letters of administration.

The Typical Probate Timeline

While each case is unique, the probate timeline often breaks down into the following phases:

  1. Registering the Death (1–2 weeks)
    You’ll need an official death certificate to start the process. Multiple copies are often required, especially when dealing with financial institutions like banks and insurance providers.

  2. Gathering Information & Valuing the Estate (3–12 weeks)
    This includes identifying all the deceased’s assets, such as property, bank accounts, savings accounts, investments, business interests, and personal possessions. Any outstanding debts must also be accounted for. This will vary depending on how long institutions take to respond.

  3. Submitting the Probate Application & Inheritance Tax Forms (2–6 weeks)
    Executors must complete probate application forms and submit inheritance tax forms, even if no inheritance tax is due. For inheritance tax purposes, HMRC requires detailed tax forms and inheritance tax calculations.

  4. Paying Inheritance Tax (if applicable)
     If inheritance tax payable is due, some or all of it must be paid before probate is granted. This can cause delays if significant assets need to be sold first.

  5. Waiting for the Grant of Probate (up to 20 weeks)
    The Probate Registry processes the application. Probate delays can occur if forms are incomplete, or if HMRC or the Registry requires further clarification.

  6. Estate Administration & Distribution (3–6 months)
    Once probate is granted, the executors can begin estate administration: settling debts, closing bank accounts, selling property the deceased owned, and preparing estate accounts. Finally, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries.

What Can Delay Probate?

There are several reasons why probate duration might exceed the average 9–12 months:

  • Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork

  • Inheritance tax issues or complex tax liabilities

  • Difficulty locating all the deceased's assets

  • Disagreements among family members

  • Unresolved court proceedings or legal disputes

  • Delays in property sales or asset valuations

  • Issues with financial institutions

In addition, the current court system and probate registry may be experiencing backlogs, which can further delay probate.

How to Avoid Delays in the Probate Process

While the entire probate process is often a time-consuming process, there are ways to avoid delays:

  • Start gathering necessary documents early

  • Ensure all probate application forms and inheritance tax forms are completed accurately

  • Pay inheritance tax promptly to prevent bottlenecks

  • Keep beneficiaries informed throughout the process

  • Consider using experienced probate practitioners to manage complex or larger estates

If you’re dealing with complex cases, business interests, or assets held overseas, it’s strongly recommended to seek professional advice. An expert can ensure compliance with inheritance tax rules, accurately assess inheritance tax liability, and speed up the process where possible.

Has Probate Speed Improved in 2025?

There have been significant improvements in some aspects of the probate process in recent years. The rise of probate online services and digital document submissions has helped to streamline parts of the process. However, legal aspects and manual verifications still mean that certain steps, like the granting of probate or property sales, can take time.

So, How Long Does Probate Take?

In summary, how long probate takes depends on the estate's complexity, whether inheritance tax is involved, and how quickly you can gather documentation and complete applications. On average, you should plan for 9 to 12 months, though simpler estates may be finalised more quickly, while complex or disputed cases can take longer.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, it’s always best to seek professional advice. A qualified probate specialist can help guide you through the probate application process, handle probate matters efficiently, and ensure that the estate is managed correctly, with minimal stress for everyone involved.

Need help with probate?


Our expert team can support you through every stage of the probate process, from understanding your legal authority to handling inheritance tax calculations and distributing assets. Contact us today to speak with our dedicated team.


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