Probate itself can be much quicker than the overall administration of an estate. HMCTS management information available in September 2026 shows that, in June 2026, grants averaged 7 weeks from submission across digital and paper applications, while digital applications averaged 5.2 weeks. Digital applications that were not stopped averaged 1.7 weeks. Accredited statistics for January to March 2026 recorded a mean of 5 weeks and a median of 1 week. GOV.UK still says probate will usually arrive within 12 weeks.
That does not mean an estate is finished in 5 or 12 weeks. Valuing assets, dealing with Inheritance Tax, collecting money, selling property, paying debts and resolving claims can extend administration for many months.
Where the time actually goes
| Stage | Practical timing | What can stretch it |
|---|---|---|
| First steps | Days to a few weeks | Coroner involvement, locating the will |
| Valuing the estate | Several weeks or longer | Property, businesses, foreign assets |
| Inheritance Tax work | Estate-dependent | IHT400, arranging payment |
| Grant application | Usually within 12 weeks | Stopped cases, will issues, missing information |
| Collecting assets and paying debts | Often several months | Property sales, investments, missing accounts |
| Claim and creditor periods | Separate statutory periods apply | Creditors, family provision claims |
| Final accounts and distribution | Case-dependent | Tax, missing beneficiaries, unresolved liabilities |
An uncomplicated estate holding cash and investments may move quickly. Property, foreign assets, business interests or disputes can make the process substantially longer.
The inheritance tax bottleneck
Inheritance Tax is generally due by the end of the sixth month after the month of death, and interest is charged after the due date. Some or all of the tax normally has to be paid before probate can be obtained.
Where a full IHT400 is required, HMRC issues a unique code for the probate application once the tax position has been processed. If it has not arrived, professional applicants must wait 20 working days from sending the IHT400 before contacting HMRC. Details are on the government’s inheritance tax pages, while the applying for probate guidance explains the grant process.
The Direct Payment Scheme can allow participating banks, building societies and investment providers to pay HMRC directly from the deceased’s account before probate. Instalment options also exist for certain assets.
Why applications get stopped
HMCTS can stop an application if information is missing, there is an issue with the will, entitlement to apply is unclear or further evidence is required. In January to March 2026, stopped probate applications took an average of 14 weeks, compared with 2 weeks for those not stopped.
Where there is a will, the original normally has to be sent to the Probate Registry; a photocopy is not enough unless the lost-will procedure applies. A death certificate is not required for every online application, although it may be needed in some circumstances.
A caveat initially lasts six months and stops a grant being issued while it remains in force. It can be extended for further six-month periods. Disputes about capacity can arise here, which is why our note on appointing executors and trustees where there is an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is relevant.
The executor’s year and claims
Section 44 of the Administration of Estates Act 1925 says a personal representative is not bound to distribute before one year has passed from death. That does not mean every estate must remain open for a year.
Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 normally have to be brought within six months from the date representation is first taken out, although the court can permit a late claim.
Section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925 allows personal representatives to advertise for unknown creditors and set a deadline of at least two months. Following the procedure can protect them personally against claims from creditors of whom they had no notice.
Trust structures can add further work, as our post on life interest trusts in wills explains. If an attorney managed affairs before death, records may need reconciling; our page on joint lasting power of attorney arrangements covers those appointments.
Rental property makes administration more involved
A landlord’s death does not automatically end an existing tenancy. Rent, deposits, repairs and compliance still need managing.
Keep the rent account clear, as our guide on documenting rent arrears properly explains. Since 1 May 2026, section 21 has been abolished for private-sector assured tenancies in England and most existing assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies. Our landlord and tenant eviction services and plain English timeline of the Renters’ Rights reforms explain the current framework.
Condition issues can continue during probate, so see managing disrepair counterclaims and our housing disrepair solicitors in London. Business premises can carry lease and break-notice deadlines; our commercial lease solicitors in London can advise.
Executors should keep records of decisions and payments. Our guide on building a file that stands up in court, our explainer on how civil claims are allocated between tracks and our note on recent court and tribunal fee changes may help if a dispute develops.
Get a realistic timeline before you start
No responsible adviser can give one fixed completion date without knowing the estate. Send us the will, a rough asset and liability list and any correspondence received, and our probate solicitors in London can identify the likely sequence and pressure points. Speak to our solicitors in North London on 020 3581 9293 or email info@atalawsolicitors.com.