Answers · UK 2025/26
How long does probate take in the UK in 2026?
Probate in England and Wales typically takes 9–16 weeks from application to receiving the grant. Simple estates can be faster; complex estates with Inheritance Tax disputes or property sales take longer. IHT must be paid before the grant is issued — creating a funding challenge.
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Probate is the legal process of proving a will and obtaining authority to administer a deceased person's estate. In England and Wales, the grant of probate (or letters of administration if there's no will) is issued by HMCTS (His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service). The typical timeline: gathering assets and valuations (4–8 weeks), preparing and submitting the IHT400 to HMRC (if IHT is due), paying IHT (which must be done before the grant is issued), submitting the probate application online (currently 1–3 weeks processing time), and receiving the sealed grant (1–2 weeks after approval). The biggest practical challenge is the chicken-and-egg problem: IHT must be paid to HMRC before HMCTS will issue the grant, but you often need the grant to access the deceased's bank accounts to pay the IHT. Solutions include: Direct Payment Scheme (some banks release funds directly to HMRC for IHT), applying for IHT on property in instalments over 10 years, or using a bridging loan or executor's loan. In Scotland, the equivalent process is called Confirmation and is handled through the sheriff court — broadly similar timelines. The probate application in England and Wales can be made online at probate.service.gov.uk. Professional help from a solicitor or specialist probate service costs £1,000–£5,000+ but may be worthwhile for complex estates, foreign assets or family disputes.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.