How Long Does Probate Take in the UK? Realistic Timeline (2026)
The honest answer is: longer than you expect. Government guidance says 16 weeks, but the real end-to-end process, from the death to final distribution, typically takes 6 to 12 months for a straightforward estate. Complex estates can take a year or more. This guide breaks down every stage so you know what to expect.
Quick summary
- + Simple estate, no IHT: 4 to 6 months from death to distribution
- + Moderate estate with IHT: 6 to 12 months
- + Complex estate (property abroad, disputes, business assets): 12 to 24+ months
- + Just the grant itself: 6 to 12 weeks from submitting the application
The full timeline at a glance
Getting to the application
3 to 12 weeks
Gathering valuations, completing forms, and paying any IHT due.
Court processing
6 to 12 weeks
The Probate Registry reviewing and approving your application.
Collecting and distributing
6 to 14 weeks
Sending the grant to institutions, collecting assets, paying debts, distributing.
Total (typical)
6 to 12 months
From the date of death to final distribution to beneficiaries.
Each stage explained
Gathering documents and valuing the estate
Typical: 2 to 8 weeks
This is the stage most people underestimate. You need to write to every bank, building society, pension provider, and investment company to get date-of-death valuations. You also need a property valuation (an estate agent can provide a free one for probate purposes). If the person had complex finances, multiple properties, or overseas assets, this stage can take much longer. You cannot submit the probate application until you have a clear picture of the full estate.
Completing the inheritance tax forms
Typical: 1 to 4 weeks
If the estate is below the inheritance tax threshold and qualifies as an excepted estate, you complete a shorter form as part of the probate application. If inheritance tax is due, you need to submit the full IHT400 form to HMRC and pay at least some of the tax before applying for probate. HMRC must issue a receipt before the probate application can proceed.
HMRC processing (if IHT400 submitted)
Typical: 4 to 8 weeks
HMRC aims to process IHT400 forms within 4 weeks of receiving payment, but in practice it often takes longer. If HMRC raises queries, it can add weeks or months. You need HMRC clearance (the IHT421 stamped form) before you can submit the probate application to the court.
Submitting the probate application
Typical: 1 day to 1 week
You can apply online at GOV.UK or by post. The online application is quicker and you get confirmation immediately. You will need to sign a statement of truth (the oath was replaced in January 2024). The application fee is £300 (free if the estate is under £5,000).
Court processing the application
Typical: 4 to 12 weeks (2026)
The Probate Registry has faced significant backlogs in recent years. In early 2024, wait times were 8 to 16 weeks. By early 2026, the situation has improved somewhat, with most straightforward applications processed in 6 to 10 weeks. However, if the court raises questions or if your application has errors, it will take longer. Paper applications generally take longer than online ones.
Receiving the grant of probate
Typical: 1 to 2 weeks after approval
Once approved, the grant is posted to you (or your solicitor). You will receive the original grant plus any extra copies you ordered. You need these to send to banks, investment companies, and the Land Registry.
Collecting assets and paying debts
Typical: 4 to 12 weeks
Once you have the grant, you send certified copies to each institution holding the deceased person's money or assets. Each organisation has its own processing time. Banks typically take 2 to 4 weeks to release funds. Investment companies and pension providers can take longer. You also need to place a statutory notice in The Gazette (a legal requirement to protect yourself from unknown creditors) and wait at least 2 months for any claims.
Distributing the estate
Typical: 2 to 4 weeks
Once all debts are paid, all assets are collected, and the statutory notice period has passed, you can distribute the estate to the beneficiaries. You should prepare estate accounts showing what came in and what went out, and ask each beneficiary to sign a receipt.
What causes delays
HMRC queries on the IHT return
If HMRC decides to look more closely at the inheritance tax return, they can take 6 to 12 months to conclude their enquiries. This is more likely if the estate includes business assets, agricultural land, gifts made within 7 years of death, or if the property valuation seems low. HMRC has 4 years to raise enquiries on an IHT return, so even after the grant is issued, there is a risk of further contact.
Missing or unclear will
If the will cannot be found, if there is doubt about its validity, or if someone challenges the will, the process can be held up for months or even years. Challenges under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 must be brought within 6 months of the grant being issued, so executors sometimes wait this long before distributing.
Selling property
If the estate includes a property that needs to be sold before beneficiaries can be paid, the timeline depends on the property market. Getting probate, putting the property on the market, selling, and completing can easily add 6 to 12 months to the total process.
Multiple executors who disagree
If there are multiple executors and they cannot agree on decisions, this can slow everything down. All executors must sign the statement of truth. If one executor does not want to act, they can formally renounce, but this requires a separate form and process.
Overseas assets
If the person owned property or held bank accounts in another country, you may need to obtain a separate grant of probate (or equivalent) in that jurisdiction. This runs in parallel but has its own timeline and requirements.
How to speed things up
- + Apply online. Online applications are processed faster than paper ones.
- + Start gathering valuations immediately. Do not wait for the funeral. Write to every bank, pension provider, and investment company as soon as you have the death certificate.
- + Get the IHT forms right first time. Errors or incomplete forms are the most common reason for HMRC delays. Double-check everything before submitting.
- + Order enough death certificates. You will need to send them to multiple organisations at the same time. Having 4 or 5 copies means you can contact several banks in parallel instead of waiting for one to return it.
- + Place the statutory notice in The Gazette early. The 2-month notice period runs from the date you place the advert. Place it as soon as you receive the grant so it runs in parallel with asset collection.
- + Chase regularly. Do not assume silence means progress. Follow up with the Probate Registry, HMRC, and financial institutions if you have not heard back within their stated timescales.
When you do not need probate
Not every estate needs probate. You may not need it if:
- + All bank accounts and investments are below the bank's individual probate threshold (see our bank thresholds guide)
- + All property was held as joint tenants (it passes automatically to the surviving owner)
- + All assets were held jointly or in trust
- + The only asset is a jointly held bank account
If you are unsure, our probate guide can help you decide whether you need it.
Scotland: Confirmation timelines
In Scotland, the equivalent of probate is called Confirmation. The process is broadly similar but is handled by the Sheriff Court rather than the Probate Registry. Processing times in Scotland are generally shorter, with most straightforward applications completed in 4 to 8 weeks from submission. If you are dealing with a Scottish estate, see our Scotland guide for specific details.
Frequently asked questions
Can I access money from the estate before probate is granted?
Most banks will release small amounts (typically up to £5,000 to £50,000 depending on the bank) without probate. Some will pay funeral costs directly from the deceased's account. Joint accounts can continue to be used by the surviving holder. For larger sums, you will usually need to wait for the grant.
How do I check the progress of my probate application?
You can call the Probate Registry on 0300 303 0648 or check online if you applied through the GOV.UK service. Have your application reference number ready.
What happens if the executor does nothing?
Beneficiaries can apply to the court to remove an executor who is not acting. This is called a "passing over" order. Alternatively, if there are multiple executors, the others can proceed without the inactive one. If you are a beneficiary and the executor is not responding, seek legal advice.
Do I need a solicitor for probate?
No, you can apply for probate yourself. The online application at GOV.UK is designed for people without legal training. However, if the estate is complex (property abroad, business assets, IHT due, family disputes), a solicitor can be worth the cost. Expect to pay £1,500 to £5,000 for a solicitor-led application.
Need support?
Dealing with probate while grieving can be overwhelming. If you need someone to talk to:
- Cruse Bereavement Support: 0808 808 1677 (free)
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24 hours)
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Related guides
Probate Guide
When you need probate, how to apply, and whether to DIY or use a solicitor
Executor Duties
What an executor must do, step by step, with timelines and legal obligations
Inheritance Tax
Current thresholds, rates, exemptions, and practical ways to reduce the tax bill
Bank Probate Thresholds 2026
How much each bank will release without a grant of probate
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