19th May 2022
How long will probate take?
Our dedicated probate team understand that every case comes with unique circumstances so the time taken to complete an entire probate process varies from case to case. As such, we can only provide a more accurate picture of how long will probate take, once we have discussed with you your specific circumstances and what might be involved.
As a general guide, it usually takes three to six months from when we are first instructed to obtain a grant of probate but it can be less for very straightforward cases. Once the grant of probate has been received, the process of collecting in the assets, paying the liabilities, preparing estate accounts and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries is dependent on the number of matters that need to be dealt with. As a guide, we normally advise clients that this process can take between six and eighteen months to complete depending on the work involved.
Contact us for a free informal chat
We are always happy to discuss with you how long will probate take and provide guidance on the most appropriate course of action, what is involved and the likely costs.
If you’d like to chat to one of our team then all their direct contact details appear at the bottom of this page.
Common issues that cause delays in the probate process
Unfortunately, the process can often involve a wide range of administrative processes that can delay matters. Below are a list of common areas to be aware of:
- Searching for and organising very old paperwork
- Searching for details of lifetime gifts which the deceased may have made
- Difficulty in realising assets or in settling tax or other liabilities
- Difficulty in tracing beneficiaries
- Foreign property and the need to liaise with foreign lawyers
- Trusts in which the deceased had an interest
- Agricultural or business property
- Lloyd’s assets which are very complicated to deal with
- A Will that becomes contested or disputed
Unsure about what probate involves – read more about the key stages of probate here