How long is probate taking for a simple estate at the moment?

Norma_Desmond

My solicitor is just about to actually apply for probate after receiving my Mother's funeral cost details.

All other documents sorted and a fairly simple estate of one property (owned outright) and one bank account. No other debts.

I am the sole executor and beneficiary.

Thanks in advance.

Keep_pedalling

I don’t think anyone can give you an answer, in some cases it is taking days and others months. The fact that you have chosen a solicitor to do this will almost certainly lengthen the process.

Norma_Desmond

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81957437#Comment_81957437

Thanks. I went with family solicitor as I've been unwell and just couldn't cope with it.

To be fair he's been pretty quick and has all the 'stuff' ready to go now.

Just thought someone may have a similar, recent experience.

Claude_and_Eustace

I applied online for my late mums probate 3 weeks ago. I applied on the Saturday, posted the Will on the Monday which was received on Wednesday. Got an email at 7.30 that evening to say that probate was granted. So 4/5 days, I was very surprised! I did think they maybe are working overtime due to the timing of the email.

I don’t know if the solicitor can still apply online on your behalf, but if so it can be very quick!

Norma_Desmond

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81957623#Comment_81957623

Thanks - goodness that was quick!

RAS

Solicitors will wait 6 months after probate is granted to allow for creditors and possible Inheritance Act challenges. They'll be liable to cover the costs if they release money before that.

AP3

The processing of a simple probate application itself can take a couple of weeks. The process to actually distribute the estate is something else altogether.

My Mum's estate was handled by solicitors, and the estate wasn't distributed until a year later.

I did probate for my wife myself, and 2 weeks later I had probate and could gather all the funds and distribute (albeit, to myself).

middlewife

My sister applied for grant of probate ( she was a joint executor and beneficiary with myself). We were able to access some of mum's funds by providing a death certificate, but several institutions insisted on sight of grant of probate. It took 2 months for probate to be granted ( she had no property to dispose of) and another 2 to 3 months for all her savings and bank accounts to pay her estate. Good luck, it's stressful

Cubicsrube

Probate took six months for us.

Applied August 8th 2025, they requested additional info which was supplied September 8th; probate was eventually granted Jan 30th 2026. Estate included a flat, NS&I account, investment wrap account and 2 bank accounts - no trusts or other complexities. Total was over the threshold but no IHT was due after exemptions. We did it ourselves online.

Incredible to hear that some people get the grant within days of applying! It does seem like pot luck sometimes…

omarali

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958011#Comment_81958011

Is this true for all cases or can the executor of the estate request that they release funds immediately? We have just been granted probate for my FIL, done through a solicitor, and funds are in 5 bank accounts all with the same bank. No debts to pay, house to sell and a will left splitting everything between the three daughters. My wife is the executor and will be speaking to the solicitor this week once the hard copy of the probate application has been received on the quickest way to wind up the estate.

omarali

No house to sell sorry.