A common question we’re asked is ‘how long does probate take with a Will?’, especially by first-time executors trying to understand what to expect. In short, when there’s a valid will, probate often takes 6 to 9 months, but the process can be faster. Digital applications, proactive preparation, and specialist early distribution insurance allow executors to distribute the estate safely without waiting the usual six months.
To understand how executors can manage risks during this process, see our Executor Insurance Guide.
Not necessarily. While a valid will helps confirm who should apply for probate and who inherits what, it doesn’t bypass the legal process.
A grant of probate is still required to access bank accounts, sell property, or transfer shares, even if everything is written in the will.
That said, a written, uncontested will can make probate more efficient by avoiding delays caused by family disputes or confusion about the deceased’s wishes.
When there’s a valid will, probate often takes 6 to 9 months, but it’s not guaranteed to be quick. Many assume that having a will will automatically speed up the process, but probate is still required, and delays can still arise.
So, why does it still take time? Even with a will, executors must:
A will certainly helps clarify who should apply for probate and who inherits what, but it doesn’t remove legal obligations or external delays.
With that in mind, understanding how long probate takes with a Will and taking action to avoid these delays can make a big difference to the estate’s timeline.
Even with a will, probate can be delayed due to:
Executors can take specific steps to avoid common hold-ups:
Even if you have a will, there’s a risk that a newer version exists. A Missing Will Search confirms no later wills were registered or stored elsewhere, avoiding claims that could delay distribution.
The only Will search that Insuristic acknowledges is the Will Search Combined from the National Will Register. This is the pre-requisite for arranging Missing Will Insurance, which, combined with other policies mentioned below, can speed up distribution..
If you are doing Probate yourself, using the GOV.UK digital service, if eligible, is faster than paper. Most grants are issued within 4 to 8 weeks for non-taxable estates.
If the estate includes property, selling it quickly can significantly reduce delays. Traditional estate agent sales often stall probate due to long chains or buyer finance issues. A faster route includes:
Using a probate auction specialist like Probate.Auction is recommended.
Once the sale completes, you can then arrange Early Distribution Insurance to protect against claims and distribute without waiting six months.
If you are yet to insure the property, reading our Probate House Insurance and Executor Home Insurance pages will help you understand the cover available and how to protect your liability.
Two key policies can help you distribute faster:
Combine this with Missing Will and Missing Beneficiary Insurance for complete peace of mind forever.
If there are no known risks, you don’t need to hold funds for six months. With the right insurance in place, executors can settle the estate soon after the grant is issued.
If you’re still wondering ‘How long does probate take with a Will’, follow these steps to shorten the timeline and protect yourself as executor.
With the right preparation, probate for a will-based estate can be completed in under 6 months, sometimes as little as 2 months. The key is being proactive: confirm the will, apply digitally, arrange insurance, and distribute efficiently.
Essential Reading: Insuristic’s Executor Insurance Guide.
This article provides general information only and should not be taken as legal advice. For specific probate guidance, please consult a qualified probate solicitor. Find a Probate Solicitor here.
As an executor or administrator, you can be personally liable for defending claims and covering losses if you don’t have Probate Insurance, even when the claim is made against the estate, not directly against you.
Contentious probate isn’t limited to courtroom battles; it often begins with disagreements over who inherits, how the estate is handled, or whether the Will is valid.
These situations may involve someone being left out of the Will, a dispute over how much someone should receive, concerns about how the Will was created, or confusion when no Will exists. Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 are particularly common.
Such disputes can delay the probate process, increase costs, and expose executors to personal liability. It’s far better to identify and address potential risks early, before they escalate.
Arrange a FREE consultation with a Contentious Probate Solicitor.
They’ll assess your situation, confirm whether a claim is unlikely (which may help you qualify for Early Distribution Insurance), or provide expert guidance on how to protect both yourself and the estate.
Rob Faulkner is a leading expert in executor insurance risk and probate insurance, with nearly 30 years’ experience in the UK insurance market. He is the founder of Insuristic, a specialist provider of probate-related insurance solutions and educational content for executors.
Rob is an ACII Chartered Insurance Broker, a Chartered Manager, and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. His background spans insurers, brokers, and Insurtechs, always focused on innovation, transparency, simplicity, and fair value.
He’s passionate about helping everyday people, executors, beneficiaries, and law firms choose the right probate property insurance or unoccupied home insurance, without jargon, inflated fees, or hidden commissions.
Rob is especially passionate about product development and improving insurance education through marketing, helping people understand what they are buying. These values sit at the heart of everything we do at Insuristic.
Want to learn more? Visit my author page or follow me on LinkedIn.
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