⏳ How Long Does Probate Take in the UK?
When someone dies, it’s natural to wonder how long probate will take. Timelines vary by estate, but most cases fall between a few months and a year. This guide explains what affects the timeline and how to keep things moving, one step at a time.
🌱 At a glance
- Simple estates: often 3–6 months
- More complex estates: 6–12+ months
- Grant of Probate (after you apply): commonly 4–8 weeks to be issued
- Biggest variables: estate complexity, Inheritance Tax (IHT), missing documents, disputes, and registry backlogs
🗓️ Typical timeline (England & Wales)
| Step | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Gather documents & valuations | 1–4 weeks |
| Complete IHT forms | 2–4 weeks |
| Submit probate application | 1–2 hours (online form time) |
| Grant of Probate issued | 4–8 weeks (can be longer with delays) |
| Administer and distribute estate | 3–12 months (depends on complexity) |
💡 The clock really starts once you’ve gathered documents and submitted your application. Most of the total timeline is “waiting time.”
🔎 What affects how long probate takes?
1) Estate complexity
- Few assets, one bank, no property → faster (often 3–6 months)
- Property sale, investments, overseas assets, business interests → slower (6–12+ months)
2) Will vs no will
- With a will: apply for a Grant of Probate
- No will: Letters of Administration (can add a little time)
3) Inheritance Tax (IHT)
- IHT forms are required even if no tax is due
- If tax is due, some payment is typically needed before the grant is issued
4) Probate Registry (HMCTS) workload
- Seasonal peaks and backlogs can extend the 4–8 week grant window
⚠️ Common causes of delay
- Missing or unclear documents (lost will, incomplete valuations)
- Errors on IHT forms or the probate application
- Disputes between executors/beneficiaries
- Property sales (chains, surveys, legal work)
- Registry backlogs outside your control
✅ How to keep things moving
- Get organised early: Collect the will, death certificate, asset/debt list, and valuations
- Be accurate on IHT forms: Double-check figures to avoid rework
- Use checklists & reminders: Track tasks and documents methodically
- Ask for help when needed: Probate specialists/solicitors can reduce errors and stress, especially for complex estates