How Long Does Probate Take UK? Complete Timeline & Delays Explained 2025

Probate in the UK typically takes 3-12 months from start to finish, though complex estates can take longer. Understanding the timeline helps you plan and manage expectations. This guide breaks down each phase of probate, typical timescales, and what can cause delays.

The 6 Phases of Probate

Phase 1: Initial Administration (2-4 weeks)

What happens:

• Register death (within 5 days)
• Arrange funeral
• Locate will and identify executors
• Secure property and notify key people
• Start identifying assets

Common delays: Can't find will, executor disputes, executors live abroad

Phase 2: Valuing the Estate (1-2 months)

What happens:

• Get property valuations (3 estate agents or RICS surveyor)
• Contact all banks for date of death balances
• Get investment valuations
• Value personal belongings
• Calculate debts

Timeline: Property valuations 2-3 weeks, bank confirmations 1-2 weeks, investments 2-4 weeks

Common delays: Unknown accounts, property valuation disputes, foreign assets

Phase 3: IHT Forms and Probate Application (2-8 weeks)

What happens:

• Complete IHT205 (simple) or IHT400 (complex) forms
• Submit to HMRC for review
• Pay any Inheritance Tax due
• Submit probate application (PA1P/PA1A)

Timeline: IHT205 completion 1-2 weeks, HMRC review 1-4 weeks, IHT400 completion 2-4 weeks, HMRC review 2-8 weeks

Common delays: HMRC queries, complex IHT400, waiting for IHT funds

Phase 4: Grant of Probate (4-12 weeks)

What happens:

• Probate Registry processes application
• Checks will is valid
• Verifies executor entitled to apply
• Issues Grant of Probate

Current processing times (2024/25): Average 8-12 weeks, simple 4-8 weeks, complex 12-16+ weeks

Common delays: Application errors, missing documents, registry backlog

Phase 5: Collecting Assets (2-6 months)

What happens:

• Send grant to banks (2-6 weeks to release funds)
• Collect from investment platforms (4-8 weeks)
• Claim life insurance (4-12 weeks)
• Collect pensions (6-12 weeks)
• Sell property if needed (3-6 months)

Common delays: Property sales, slow-responding institutions, overseas assets

Phase 6: Distribution (2-4 months)

What happens:

• Pay debts and expenses
• Wait 6 months from grant (executor protection period for unknown creditors)
• Prepare estate accounts
• Distribute to beneficiaries
• Close estate

Common delays: Beneficiary disputes, missing beneficiaries, tax complications

What Affects How Long Probate Takes?

How to Speed Up Probate

Before Applying

• Order death certificates early (5-10 copies at £11 each)
• Find original will quickly
• Start asset list immediately
• Get property valuations fast (book 3 agents same week)
• Use online probate application (faster than paper)

During Application

• Complete forms carefully first time (errors cause delays)
• Respond to HMRC queries within days (not weeks)
• Pay IHT quickly if due
• Consider solicitor for complex estates

After Grant Issued

• Send grant to all institutions same day
• Follow up with phone calls if delays
• Consider cash buyer for property (faster but potentially lower price)

Current Probate Registry Processing Times

As of 2024/25, the Probate Registry reports:

• Average processing time: 8-12 weeks
• Simple applications: 4-8 weeks
• Complex applications: 12-16+ weeks

Check current times at: gov.uk HMCTS service updates

Realistic Expectations

6-9 months is a realistic timeline for most straightforward estates. This allows for:

• 1-2 months: Valuation and IHT forms
• 2-3 months: HMRC review and probate grant
• 2-4 months: Collecting assets
• 1-2 months: 6-month wait period and distribution

Important: Probate cannot be rushed beyond certain limits:

• Probate Registry has statutory timeframes
• Asset collection depends on third parties
• 6-month creditor period cannot be shortened
• Property sales take 3-6 months typically

When Probate Takes Longer

Disputes (12-24 months)

Contested wills or beneficiary disputes can significantly delay:

• Mediation attempts: 2-6 months
• Court proceedings: 6-18 months
• Appeals: Additional 6-12 months

HMRC Investigations (6-18 months)

If HMRC challenges valuations:

• Request additional information: 1-3 months
• Professional revaluations: 1-2 months
• Negotiations: 3-12 months

Missing Beneficiaries (6-12 months)

If beneficiaries can't be located:

• Tracing agents: 3-6 months
• Advertise in newspapers: 2 months minimum
• Indemnity insurance: 1-2 months to arrange

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I speed up probate if I need money urgently?

Some banks release small amounts (£5K-15K typically) before probate for funeral expenses. Otherwise, probate cannot be significantly rushed - it follows statutory processes.

Why does probate take so long?

Probate involves multiple steps with third parties: HMRC review (1-8 weeks), Probate Registry processing (4-12 weeks), banks releasing funds (2-6 weeks each), plus the mandatory 6-month executor protection period before final distribution.

Can executors distribute money before probate is granted?

No. Executors have no legal authority to access or distribute assets until the Grant of Probate is issued. Distributing early is illegal and makes executor personally liable.

What if the estate is simple - can it be faster?

Yes. Simple estates (no property, under £325K, no disputes) can complete in 3-6 months. But you still need to: apply for probate (4-8 weeks), collect assets (1-2 months), wait the 6-month creditor period (mandatory).