There is no single answer to this question because the timeline is made up of two distinct phases: the time it takes to prepare and submit the application, and the time the Probate Registry takes to process it.
Phase 1: preparing the application
Gathering estate information takes time. Banks may take several weeks to respond. Property valuations need to be arranged. For most estates, the preparation phase takes between four and sixteen weeks depending on how quickly information can be gathered. YouCanDoProbate lets you work at your own pace with automatic progress saving.
Phase 2: Probate Registry processing
Once a complete and correct application is received, most of our customers receive their Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration within 3 to 6 weeks of posting. Applications with errors or missing information take considerably longer.
What causes delays?
- Incomplete or incorrect forms returned by the Probate Registry
- HMRC queries about the estate valuation or IHT calculation
- A disputed Will or a beneficiary dispute
- Complex assets requiring specialist input
A complete, accurate application is the best protection against delays. YouCanDoProbate does not generate your final forms until all required information has been captured.
