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Despite The UK Government’s announcement that it halved the average processing time for Probate applications, probate (as an entire process) still typically takes between 6 and 12 months. For small, straight forward estates probate can be completed in as little as 3 months, while more complex cases can take over a year. That’s a long time to wait to access vital funds.
The exact timeframe depends on several factors such as the size of the estate and whether there is a valid will. In our experience, delays are almost always caused at the preparation stages. Finding, collating and gathering information and documents and then processing things in the right order.
Alongside the question of timing, most executors want to understand the financial side. Our guide to probate costs in 2026 covers every fee involved, from the government application fee to what solicitors charge for the same work.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the real probate timeline, what causes delays, and how you can speed the process up. Everything in this guide is based on what we see every day working with executors and estate administrators.
One of the biggest misconceptions I see is people assuming that Probate is a single step. It’s not! Instead, it’s a process made up of several stages, which vary depending on your individual circumstances.
Each stage of the probate process takes time and has to be completed before moving onto the next stage. Delays in probate are often caused by completing stages in the wrong order or not thoroughly enough, but we’ll get into that later.
The other myth around probate is that most of the delays happen when waiting for probate to be granted. In reality, since 2025 the government has worked hard to increase their capacity to process applications quicker, meaning the actual granting of probate can take as little as two weeks. In many cases, the longest delays happen before the application is even submitted.
In our experience, many straightforward probate applications are taking between 4-8 weeks to be processed once submitted.
Online applications are generally quicker than paper ones, although delays can still occur if further information is requested. Paper applications and more complex estate take slightly longer to process, around 12-16 weeks.
Compared to previous years, processing times have improved. However, probate is still not a quick process, especially when inheritance tax is involved or information is missing. It’s therefore vital to go through the process carefully before applying. Take a look at our guide on How to do Probate Yourself in the UK.
Not every case requires probate or Letters of Administration (if there is no will). Before exploring how long probate takes, it is worth confirming whether probate is actually required in your situation Generally speaking, if assets were jointly owned, for example by a married couple, and the assets are being passed to the surviving spouse, then probate won’t be required. However, if the deceased held bank accounts in their sole name then any accounts between £5000 and £50,000 could require probate.
Different banks and organisations have their own prerequisites and rules, so you’ll need to check with individual organisations. You can use our online Probate Checker for a quick and easy way to find out whether you’re likely to need probate.
Probate allows named executors in a will to legally deal with someone’s estate. It’s a common myth that if the person had a will, then probate won’t be needed but this isn’t the case. Take a look at why probate is required even with a will. If the person who died didn’t have a will then Letters of Administration grant a legally appointed person the right.
Find out whether you need probate in an instant. Answer a few simple questions for an instant evaluation.
Before probate starts, there are a number of important steps that need to happen first.
These are often overlooked when people ask how long probate takes, but they are a very real part of the timeline, especially when you are dealing with loss.
You will usually need to:
Only once these steps have been completed can the probate process properly begin.
Understandably, this stage is not just practical, it is emotional too. Many families take time here, and that is completely normal.
If you are unsure what needs to be done at this early stage, we have put together a detailed guide that walks you through everything step by step: What to do when someone dies. Taking the time to get these first steps right will make the probate process much smoother later on.
Let me break this down in a way that reflects what we actually see in practice. Not every stage of the process will apply, but it’s still good to know the things that can impact the process.
Locating and validating a will is an important step and will determine whether you need to apply for probate or letters of administration. If the will was known to the executors then this should be straight forward. On the other hand you may have to check with the deceased person’s solicitor, contact family members, or check the National Will Register.
Even if the Will is located, named executors may be unwilling or unable to act. The responsible of dealing with the estate will then be passed to the next of kin or a beneficiary.
If there is no will, the closest living relative with mental capacity can usually step in.
This is where everything begins, and it is often the most underestimated stage.
You will need to:
This stage can take longer if records are not easily accessible or if institutions are slow to respond.
From experience, this is where many executors begin to feel overwhelmed.
Valuing the estate involves valuing all assets, as well as any debts (liabilities) at the time of death.
Assets may include:
Liabilities may include:
Once you have the financial information, you will need to:
Even where no tax is payable, forms still need to be completed correctly. Any payable tax must be paid within 6 months of the date of death to avoid interest.
HMRC typically take a round 4 weeks to process tax forms. Delays here often come from HMRC or uncertainty about what is required or waiting for valuations.
This part is relatively straightforward once everything else is in place.
You will:
Online applications tend to be quicker and more efficient.
This is the stage most people associate with probate.
During this time, the probate registry reviews your application and may request further information if needed. While this can feel like a long wait, it is only one part of the overall timeline. If you’ve been thorough and prepared well, there shouldn’t be any delays in the process.
Once probate has been granted, you can begin to:
collect funds from banks and institutions
pay any outstanding debts
sell property if required
distribute the estate to beneficiaries
If a property needs to be sold, or beneficiaries need locating or there are special circumstances when distributing legacies, then this stage can take longer.
This is something I feel strongly about, because it is often misunderstood. Most delays in probate are not caused by the probate registry.
They are caused by:
not knowing what needs to be done
doing things in the wrong order
waiting too long to gather information
uncertainty around forms and requirements
Waiting for organisations to respond or for valuations.
In other words, the delay is often not the system. It is the lack of a clear process. That is completely understandable. Most people have never done this before.
There are situations where probate can take significantly longer.
These include:
Inheritance tax investigations: If HMRC decide to investigate an estate, it can take several months to process. In 2027 there will be even more scrutiny on unused pension funds or death benefits, as these will be taxable in the future.
Selling property: If a house needs to be sold the most recent figures from Zoopla suggest an average processing time of 25 weeks. This period covers the time from listing the property to completion of the sale.
Disputes between beneficiaries can lead to court proceedings. Although rare, these situations can take years to resolve. We highly recommend that you get a Will to reduce issues.
Missing or unknown beneficiaries can result in extensive searches. In the past we’ve had to take out local adverts, use professional researchers and check public records to locate missing beneficiaries. If you have a will, it’s really important that you keep it up to date and give your executors contact numbers of all beneficiaries.
Overseas assets: Because they often require separate legal process, valuations and compliance with the laws of another country, it can take time to be able to include them in the estate.
Complex financial arrangements: Delays are caused because they often need detailed investigation and specialist valuations, and clarification of ownership or tax treatment.
In these cases, it is not unusual for probate to take over a year.
Some delays with probate can’t be avoided. However, many can be reduced with the right approach.
What helps most is:
starting early and gathering information as soon as possible
keeping clear and organised records
understanding the correct order of steps
responding quickly to requests from organisations
Most importantly, having a clear structure to follow makes a significant difference. In my honest opinion the biggest delay I see is not legal. It is practical. People lose time because they’re unsure, second guess themselves, wait too long to take action or just get overwhelmed.
This is one of the most common questions I’m asked, and the honest answer is: it depends on your situation.
A probate solicitor can take a significant amount of pressure off your shoulders at a time when you are already dealing with grief and a long list of practical responsibilities. They can handle the legal paperwork, apply for the Grant of Probate, correspond with financial institutions, calculate any inheritance tax due, and ensure the estate is distributed correctly. For many people, simply having someone experienced guiding the process brings real peace of mind.
That said, using a solicitor does not always mean the process will be quicker. Probate timelines are often dictated by external factors such as HMRC processing times, the Probate Registry, and how quickly banks or asset holders respond. A good solicitor will help avoid mistakes and delays caused by errors, but they cannot bypass the system entirely.
At Online Wills and Probate, we take a slightly different approach. We are both compassionate and thorough, offering support that genuinely reflects what people need during this time. For those who want help, we provide a fully managed service, from obtaining the Grant of Probate through to full estate administration. This can be especially valuable where estates are complex, involve multiple assets, or include inheritance tax considerations. In those cases, having experienced legal and financial guidance is not just helpful, it can prevent costly mistakes.
However, we also strongly believe that not everyone needs to pay for full probate services.
If the estate is straightforward, many people are perfectly capable of handling probate themselves with the right guidance. We believe in empowering people to feel confident and informed, rather than overwhelmed or reliant.
That is exactly why we developed our DIY probate tools and guidance. They are designed to support you step by step, helping you understand what needs to be done, avoid common pitfalls, and ultimately save money while still doing things properly.
So rather than a one-size-fits-all answer, the real question is this: do you want someone to take the weight off your shoulders, or do you feel able to manage it yourself with the right support?
Either option is valid. The important thing is choosing the path that feels right for you.
Over the years, I have spoken to so many people dealing with probate. Most people feel overwhelmed by the timing of it all. What struck me most was this: many of these estates were actually straightforward.
People were paying thousands of pounds in fees, not because their situation was complex, but because they lacked confidence, clarity, or simply someone to guide them through it step by step. That never sat quite right with me.
We created our DIY probate platform because we genuinely believe people deserve another option. This is not about replacing professional support. It is about giving people the tools, structure, and reassurance they need to take control if they want to.
The platform has been carefully designed to walk you through the entire process in a clear, manageable way. No legal jargon. No guesswork. Just practical guidance, broken down into steps that make sense at a time when everything else might feel uncertain.
Within the platform, you will find:
Downloadable templates to help you complete key documents correctly
Interactive quizzes to guide you based on your specific situation
Progress tracking so you always know where you are and what comes next
Structured, interactive checklists to keep you organised and on track
Access to professional and legal support if you need reassurance or have questions along the way
It is there to support you, not leave you on your own.
For many people, this approach offers the best of both worlds. You retain control, you understand what is happening, and you avoid unnecessary costs, but you still have guidance and support when you need it.
And importantly, if at any point things feel more complicated than expected, you can always step back and choose a fully managed service instead.
This is about giving you confidence, clarity, and choice at a time when you need it most.
understand what needs to be done
follow the correct order
stay organised
track your progress
It does not remove the responsibility, but it does remove the uncertainty.
In our experience, many straightforward probate applications are taking between 4-8 weeks to be processed once submitted.
Online applications are generally quicker than paper ones, although delays can still occur if further information is requested. Paper applications and more complex estate take slightly longer to process, around 12-16 weeks. However, the entire process from start to finish takes around 6-12 months on average and this will largely depend on the complexity of the estate.
In most cases, no. Probate is usually required before a property can be legally sold, even if it is under the £325,000 threshold. However, you are allowed to put the house on the market but probate has been granted.
Not necessarily. A solicitor may handle the process for you, but the same legal steps and timelines still apply. What solicitors will ensure is that all the paperwork is correct and submitted with the application. Incorrect valuations, tax calculations and not providing the correct supporting documents tend to be the biggest culprits of delaying probate applications.
Probate can begin as soon as you receive the death certificate, but the full process often takes several months to complete depending on the estate. If the estate was in good order and the paperwork for all accounts are present, this can speed up the process.
Using a solicitor to draft your will is a natural and typical instinct. But it’s not always a good idea or the most cost-effective way of getting a will. Here’s the thing: will writing isn’t just about legal formalities. It’s about making sure your loved ones are protected, your wishes are carried out properly, and your estate is handled in the most tax-efficient way possible. And this is where solicitors often fall short. We offer comprehensive financial advice and expert estate planning, making us a much better choice. For more information take a look at our guide on the cost of making a Will with a solicitor.
Free Guidance
Our guides are designed to help you get the information you need. Each one has been written by either Phil Izzard or Jane Morris-Rowlinson. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, call us.
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Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and probate, guided by the same legal professionals whether you do it yourself online, over a call, or face to face. England and Wales, without the traditional law firm price tag.
