Many clients are unaware of probate timelines, here is the process explained to help give you...
Many clients are unaware of probate timelines, 
here is the process explained to help give you some clarity.
This will depend on the circumstances, including how complicated the estate is and how quickly you are able to deal with each stage of the process. It normally takes around 4 to 8 weeks for the Grant to be obtained once your application has been submitted to the Probate Court. However, where there is an intestacy matter, this timescale will normally increase to 8 to 16 weeks for the Grant to be obtained. Obtaining a Grant of Probate typically takes 4 to 16 weeks once your application is submitted to the Probate Registry. However, factoring in estate valuation, Inheritance Tax (IHT) paperwork, and asset distribution, the entire estate ion process usually takes 6 to 12 months in total.
The overall timeline breaks down into the following stages:
- Gathering & Valuing Assets (2 to 10 weeks): You will need to locate the original will and calculate the total value of all assets (property, bank accounts, investments) and debts.
- Paying Inheritance Tax (4 to 12 weeks): If IHT is due, forms must be submitted and at least the first instalment of tax must be paid to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) before probate can be granted.
- Waiting for the Grant of Probate (4 to 16 weeks): The Probate Registry reviews your submission. Thanks to the shift toward digital processing, most straightforward online applications are processed much faster, often averaging just over 4 weeks.
- Estate Administration - Collecting Assets & Distributing the Estate (3 to 9 months): Once the grant is issued, you can close bank accounts, sell property and settle remaining debts. Selling property is determined by market forces and conveyancing so this needs to be a completed sale and then we can distribute the inheritance to the beneficiaries.
What can cause delays?
When dealing with probate cases we also deal with several third parties such as HMRC and the DWP currently both organisations together with other third parties we work with are experiencing huge delays and backlogs and their delays may often have an impact on the timescales we set out to achieve.
- Complex estates with overseas assets or contested wills.
- Errors, missing documents, or mistakes in the application.
- Delays in receiving clearance from HMRC or responses from financial institutions.
- Family disputes and disgruntled beneficiaries can halt the progress as the dispute may involve mediation or court intervention.
- Missing beneficiaries can mean the residue cannot be fully distributed until they are found.
We will always keep you updated throughout the process and will let you know if the projected timescale to complete matters changes and the reason why. We are able to arrange home and hospital visits at no extra cost (subject to location, subject to mileage fees) for clients with a disability or who would otherwise be unable to attend our offices. We offer both a fixed fees and an hourly rate charging rate, whereby you will be charged for each hour of work undertaken.
To find out more please feel free to visit the contact page on our website and choose the office most convenient for you.
