Probate Timeline Estimator

Estimate how long UK probate will take based on the four biggest drivers of duration: estate complexity, whether property is involved, whether an IHT return is required, and whether the estate is contested. Visual timeline included.

Written by: SL · Reviewed by: SL · Last updated: May 2026

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The four stages of UK probate

1. Apply for the grant of probate (or letters of administration)

The executor (or administrator, if there's no will) gathers the original will, the death certificate and an asset valuation. If the estate exceeds the IHT thresholds, HMRC's IHT400 must be submitted and acknowledged before the probate application. HM Courts and Tribunals Service currently issues a digital grant in around 8–12 weeks.

2. Gather and value assets

Banks, pension providers, investment platforms and the Land Registry are notified. Property and possessions are valued. This phase typically takes 1–3 months and runs in parallel with the probate application.

3. Pay debts, taxes and expenses

Outstanding mortgages, utility bills, credit cards, income tax to date of death and any IHT are paid from the estate. Executors should also place a Trustee Act 1925 notice (a deceased estates notice in The Gazette) and wait 2 months for unknown creditors. This caution period overlaps with asset gathering.

4. Distribute to beneficiaries

Once debts and taxes are settled and any property is sold or transferred, the residue is distributed and final estate accounts are prepared. Most executors wait until at least 6 months after the grant of probate before final distribution, because that is the Inheritance Act 1975 claim window.

What can delay probate further

• Missing original will — copies are accepted only after a court application, adding 2–4 months.
• Unsigned or incomplete IHT400 — the probate application cannot proceed until HMRC acknowledge the return.
• Property valuation disputes with HMRC's District Valuer.
• Beneficiaries who cannot be located — a tracing agent may be required.
• Assets in multiple jurisdictions — separate probate may be needed overseas.
• Contested wills or Inheritance Act 1975 claims — these can add years.

Frequently asked questions

How long does UK probate take?

A simple UK estate typically completes probate in 6–9 months. With property, 9–12 months. With IHT due, 12–18 months. Contested estates can take 2+ years.

How long does it take to get the grant of probate in 2026?

Once the application is submitted, HM Courts and Tribunals Service is currently issuing digital grants in around 8–12 weeks. Paper applications take longer. The application can only be submitted after HMRC have processed any IHT return.

Can probate be skipped?

Probate is not required if the deceased's assets were all jointly held (which pass by survivorship) or fall below the threshold each institution sets (commonly between £15,000 and £50,000). Estates with no property and only small bank balances may not need probate.

What can delay probate?

The most common delays are an unsigned or incomplete IHT400, missing original will, beneficiaries who cannot be located, contested validity, property that takes time to sell, and assets in multiple institutions or overseas jurisdictions.

How long do executors have to distribute the estate?

There is no statutory deadline, but the "executor's year" convention means beneficiaries can expect distribution within 12 months of the grant. Distribution within the first 6 months is usually discouraged because of the Inheritance Act 1975 claim window.