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What Happens When Probate is Granted in the UK?

· 28 min

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Emma, 42, had spent 8 months navigating the probate process for her late father's estate. When the brown envelope finally arrived containing the grant of probate, she felt equal parts relief and panic. Her father's estate included £180,000 in savings, a house worth £340,000, and three beneficiaries expecting their inheritance. Emma stared at the official court document and thought: "Now what?"

As of early 2025, over 265,000 grants of probate are issued annually in England and Wales. Each executor receives that same critical document—but many feel unprepared for what comes next. With average estate distribution taking 6-12 months after the grant, understanding your legal duties and the correct sequence of tasks isn't just helpful—it's essential to avoiding costly mistakes.

This guide explains exactly what happens after probate is granted, from accessing bank accounts to distributing inheritances, with clear timelines and legal safeguards to protect you as executor.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Grant of Probate Document

The grant of probate is your legal authority to act on behalf of the deceased's estate. This official court document confirms your appointment as executor and gives you the power to access, manage, and distribute estate assets.

Your grant of probate contains several key pieces of information: the deceased's full name and date of death, the names of all appointed executors, the total estate value as declared on your probate application, and the court's official seal. This seal is crucial—without it, financial institutions won't accept the document.

There are actually three types of grants you might receive. A Grant of Probate is issued when the deceased left a valid will naming executors. Letters of Administration with Will Annexed apply when a will exists but no executor was named or the named executors cannot act. Letters of Administration are granted when someone dies without a will (intestacy).

Most executors order 3-5 certified copies when applying for probate. Each certified copy costs £1.50 and includes the court hologram, making it acceptable to banks and other institutions. David, for instance, received his grant of probate for his mother's £285,000 estate. The document showed him as sole executor with the court seal clearly visible. He ordered 4 additional certified copies to send to his mother's three banks and pension provider simultaneously, rather than waiting weeks to get the same original document back from each institution.

Processing times have improved dramatically. As of April 2025, average grant processing time is around 5 weeks, down from over 10 weeks just a year ago. Digital applications now make up 93% of all probate applications, with these applications averaging significantly faster processing times than paper submissions.

Keep your original grant of probate in a secure location—a safe or locked filing cabinet. Use certified copies for all submissions to financial institutions. If you lose the original, obtaining a replacement can take several weeks and delay the entire estate administration.

With your grant of probate in hand, you're now legally empowered to act. But where should you start? The first week after receiving your grant requires specific immediate actions.

Immediate Actions After Receiving the Grant (Week 1)

The first seven days after receiving your grant of probate set the foundation for efficient estate administration. Taking these steps immediately prevents delays later in the process.

Days 1-2: Make multiple photocopies of your grant of probate, copying both sides of each page. Store these copies with all other estate documents in a single, organized location. Create a master file containing the will, death certificate, asset valuations, and correspondence with financial institutions.

Days 3-5: Contact every bank and building society holding the deceased's accounts. Inform them you have received the grant of probate and request their account closure packs. Don't wait—some institutions require 28 days' notice before releasing funds.

Days 5-7: Reach out to pension providers and insurance companies. Request current valuations and their specific closure procedures. Each provider has different requirements, and gathering this information early prevents bottlenecks later.

One critical action requires immediate attention: placing a Section 27 notice. Under the Trustee Act 1925, Section 27, executors can protect themselves from unknown creditors by advertising in The Gazette and a local newspaper. This notice must run for at least 2 months before you can safely distribute the estate.

Sarah received her grant on a Monday. By Wednesday, she'd photocopied the document, created a spreadsheet to track all estate assets and liabilities, and contacted her father's three banks requesting account closure forms. By Friday, she'd placed the Section 27 notice in The Gazette (£87 cost) and the local newspaper (£50), starting her 2-month creditor protection period.

Don't make James's mistake. He delayed contacting his aunt's pension provider for 3 weeks after receiving probate. The pension company required 28 days' notice for lump sum distributions, meaning he added nearly 2 months to the estate timeline unnecessarily.

Notify HMRC if the estate has ongoing tax obligations—rental income from property, business income, or investment income during the administration period. These require reporting and may generate tax liabilities.

Ensure property and contents insurance remains in force under your authority as executor. Contact the deceased's insurance provider to update the policy, noting that the property is now under estate administration. A lapse in coverage could leave you personally liable for damage or theft.

From day one, maintain meticulous records. Create an estate administration ledger or spreadsheet tracking every asset, liability, payment, and transaction. This becomes essential when preparing final estate accounts months later.

Once you've initiated contact with financial institutions, the next step is actually accessing and closing those accounts. Each bank has its own requirements and timelines.

Accessing and Closing Bank Accounts and Financial Assets

Presenting your grant of probate to banks marks your first concrete action in accessing estate funds. Understanding each institution's requirements and timelines helps you plan the distribution schedule realistically.

Banks require several documents before releasing funds. You'll need the original grant of probate or a certified copy with the court hologram, the death certificate, your identification as the named executor (passport or driving licence), proof of your current address, and completed account closure forms signed by all named executors.

Some banks release small balances (under £5,000-£25,000) without probate, but larger accounts always require it. This threshold varies by institution—check with each bank holding the deceased's funds.

Most high street banks process account closures within 2-4 weeks of receiving complete documentation. Building societies follow similar timelines. However, if multiple executors are named, coordinating signatures can add 7-10 days to this process.

Michael sent his grant of probate to his mother's bank on Monday. The bank required all three named executors to sign the account closure form. Coordinating signatures by post took 10 days. The bank then processed the request in 14 days, issuing a cheque for £47,000 to Michael's executor estate account. Total time: 24 days.

Investment accounts and ISAs require additional forms beyond standard bank accounts. Capital gains tax may apply if you sell investments above their probate valuation. Most investment platforms take 4-6 weeks to process executor requests due to additional compliance requirements.

Premium Bonds require special attention. Lisa discovered her late husband had Premium Bonds worth £12,000. She contacted NS&I with the grant of probate. NS&I requires 6-8 weeks to verify, process the claim, and issue payment—much longer than standard bank accounts.

Open a dedicated bank account in your name "as executor of [deceased's name]" to consolidate all estate funds. This separate account provides clear transparency and simplifies accounting when preparing final estate accounts. Never mix estate funds with your personal money.

Asset Type Documents Required Typical Processing Time
High street bank accounts Grant, death certificate, ID, account closure forms 2-4 weeks
Building society accounts Grant, death certificate, ID, account closure forms 2-4 weeks
Investment platforms (stocks/shares ISAs) Grant, death certificate, ID, platform-specific forms 4-6 weeks
Premium Bonds Grant, death certificate, NS&I claim form 6-8 weeks
Pension lump sums Grant, death certificate, ID, beneficiary forms 4-8 weeks
Life insurance policies Grant (sometimes), death certificate, claim forms 2-6 weeks

Even though you can legally access estate funds immediately after receiving probate, there's a crucial legal reason why you shouldn't distribute inheritance money right away.

The 6-Month Waiting Period: Why Executors Should Pause Before Distributing

Understanding the 6-month protection window could save you from personal financial liability. This waiting period relates to two critical legal safeguards every executor should know.

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain people to challenge a will within 6 months of the grant date. Who can make these claims? Spouses, children, anyone financially dependent on the deceased, and cohabitees of 2+ years can all contest the will's provisions.

If you distribute the estate before 6 months expires and a valid claim succeeds, you could be personally liable to repay that claim amount. After 6 months, if a late claim is made, the claimant must pursue beneficiaries who received funds—not you personally as executor.

Robert distributed his father's entire £200,000 estate to the three named beneficiaries just 8 weeks after receiving probate, eager to "get it done." Four months later, his father's former partner of 5 years (who the will excluded) filed an Inheritance Act claim. Because Robert distributed before the 6-month protection period, he faced potential personal liability if he couldn't recover funds from beneficiaries.

Helen knew her stepmother's will excluded her stepmother's adult son from a previous marriage. Rather than risk a claim, Helen waited 7 months after the grant date before distributing. No claim materialized, and Helen gained full protection from future liability.

The second protection mechanism is the Section 27 notice. Under the Trustee Act 1925, Section 27, executors who place creditor notices in The Gazette and a local newspaper gain protection from unknown creditors after a 2-month waiting period.

If you distribute without placing this notice and a creditor emerges later, you're personally liable for that debt—even if you've already given the money to beneficiaries. The Section 27 notice costs around £137 total (£87 for The Gazette, £50 for local newspaper) but protects you from potentially thousands in personal liability.

Assess the risk of claims realistically. If you know the will may be contentious—disappointed beneficiaries, estranged family members, financial dependents excluded—waiting 6-9 months is prudent. If the will is straightforward and all potential claimants are provided for, earlier distribution may be reasonable.

Interim distributions offer a middle ground. Tom's estate was simple with no contentious circumstances. After placing the Section 27 notice and waiting 2 months with no creditor claims, and confirming all debts were paid, he made interim distributions of 70% of each beneficiary's share at month 4, retaining 30% until month 7 as a safety buffer.

While you're waiting out the 6-month protection period, you'll be actively working on another critical executor duty: identifying and paying all estate debts and taxes.

Paying Estate Debts, Taxes, and Expenses

Before distributing a single penny to beneficiaries, you must pay all estate debts, taxes, and administration expenses. This legal obligation is absolute—failure to pay debts before distributions can make you personally liable.

Estate debts must be paid in a specific legal priority order. First come secured debts—mortgages and loans secured against estate assets. Second are funeral expenses, limited to reasonable costs. Third are testamentary and administration expenses including probate fees, legal fees, and valuation costs.

Fourth in priority are debts due to HMRC: inheritance tax, income tax, and capital gains tax. Fifth are unsecured debts like credit cards, personal loans, and utility bills. Only after all these obligations are satisfied can you make legacies and distributions to beneficiaries.

Claire's uncle's estate had £95,000 in savings and a £12,000 outstanding credit card debt. Claire paid the credit card company from the estate before distributing the remaining £83,000 to beneficiaries. She couldn't tell beneficiaries "you each owe £4,000 for uncle's debt"—the estate pays it.

After probate, executors face several tax obligations. Income Tax applies to any income the estate generates during administration—rental income from property, dividend income from shares, or interest from savings accounts. You must report this income to HMRC and pay tax at the estate rate.

Capital Gains Tax applies if you sell assets for more than their probate valuation. For residential property, the rate is 24% for 2025/26. Other assets like shares attract a 20% rate for gains above the basic rate band.

The estate receives a £3,000 annual CGT exemption for the first 3 tax years of administration. This means you can realize gains up to £3,000 in each of the first three tax years without paying CGT. For the tax year in which death occurred and the following 2 years, you're entitled to this annual exempt amount.

Daniel sold his mother's house for £285,000. The probate valuation was £270,000. He owed Capital Gains Tax on the £15,000 gain. After deducting estate agent fees (£4,500) and solicitor fees (£1,800), his taxable gain was £8,700. After applying the estate's £3,000 CGT exemption, he owed 24% tax on £5,700 = £1,368. He must report and pay this to HMRC within 60 days of sale completion.

The Section 27 notice provides critical protection. Sophie rushed to distribute her father's estate without placing a Section 27 notice. Eight months later, a creditor emerged claiming £8,000 owed for building work. Sophie had already distributed all the funds and couldn't recover them from beneficiaries. She was personally liable and had to pay the £8,000 from her own money.

If you distribute the estate without paying debts first, you're personally liable to creditors from your own funds. This risk makes careful debt identification and payment your highest priority before any distributions.

If the estate includes property, selling it creates specific tax obligations and timelines that executors must understand before proceeding.

Selling Property After Probate: Capital Gains Tax Considerations

The grant of probate gives you immediate legal authority to sell the deceased's property. However, understanding Capital Gains Tax calculations and reporting deadlines protects you from penalties and helps you minimize the estate's tax liability.

Your base value for CGT calculations is the probate valuation—the property's market value at the date of death—not the original purchase price the deceased paid decades ago. This distinction is crucial and often misunderstood.

Calculate the taxable gain using this formula: Sale price minus probate valuation minus allowable expenses. Allowable expenses include estate agent fees, solicitor fees, and improvement costs made during the administration period. Regular maintenance, mortgage interest, and insurance are not deductible.

The CGT rate for residential property is 24% for estates in 2025/26. Apply the estate's £3,000 annual CGT exemption to reduce the taxable gain. For non-residential property and other assets, the rate is 20% above the basic rate band.

Andrew sold his father's house for £315,000. The probate valuation was £290,000. After estate agent fees (£4,500) and solicitor fees (£2,200), his taxable gain was £18,300. After the £3,000 estate exemption, he owed 24% tax on £15,300 = £3,672. He must report this to HMRC and pay within 60 days of completion or face penalties and interest.

A powerful tax planning strategy involves using a Deed of Appropriation. Instead of the estate selling the property, executors can transfer it to beneficiaries before sale. Each beneficiary then owns their share and can apply their own £3,000 CGT exemption when selling.

Three siblings inherited their mother's house valued at £360,000 at probate. Instead of the estate selling it (using one £3,000 exemption), the executors used a Deed of Appropriation to transfer the property to the three beneficiaries before sale. Each sibling then owned one-third.

When they sold for £375,000, the £15,000 gain was split three ways (£5,000 each). Each sibling applied their own £3,000 CGT exemption, so each owed tax on just £2,000 × 24% = £480 each (total £1,440), versus £2,880 if the estate sold it using only one exemption. This strategy saved the family £1,440.

Even when no tax is due, you must still report the sale. Karen sold her aunt's flat 3 months after death for £198,000—identical to the probate valuation. Because there was no gain (sale price = probate value), there was no CGT liability. However, she still had to report the sale to HMRC within 60 days to confirm nil tax due.

Private Residence Relief may apply if the property was the deceased's main home and is sold shortly after death with minimal gain. This relief can reduce or eliminate CGT on the portion of time it was the main residence.

Property sales typically take 4-6 months from listing to completion in 2025. Factor this timeline into your overall estate administration schedule, especially when beneficiaries are asking about distribution dates.

Scenario Sale Price Probate Value Costs Gain After £3k Exemption CGT at 24%
Scenario A: Estate sells £300,000 £280,000 £5,000 £15,000 £12,000 £2,880
Scenario B: 3 beneficiaries via Deed (each) £100,000 £93,333 £1,667 £5,000 £2,000 £480
Total tax saved with Deed approach: £1,440

Once all debts and taxes are paid and you've safely passed the 6-month creditor/claim protection window, you're finally ready to distribute the estate to beneficiaries.

Distributing the Estate to Beneficiaries

Distribution marks the culmination of your executor duties, but it requires careful documentation and attention to legal requirements to protect you from future disputes.

Before distributing anything, verify this pre-distribution checklist. All debts must be paid, including HMRC obligations. The 6-month Inheritance Act claim window should have expired, or you've completed a thorough risk assessment. The 2-month Section 27 creditor notice period has passed. Estate accounts are prepared showing all income and expenses. All beneficiaries are identified and contacted.

Distribution methods vary by asset type. For cash legacies, use bank transfer or cheque with a covering letter explaining what the payment represents. For specific gifts like jewelry, cars, or personal items, arrange in-person handover and obtain a signed receipt.

The residuary estate—what remains after specific gifts and debts—is distributed as percentage shares. If the will states "divide my residuary estate equally between my three children," each receives one-third of what's left after paying debts, expenses, and specific legacies.

Margaret's will left £10,000 to her niece, her jewelry to her daughter, and the residuary estate split 50/50 between her two children. Executor Peter paid the £10,000 legacy first by bank transfer, getting his niece to sign a receipt. He then gave the jewelry to the daughter with a signed receipt listing each item. Finally, after paying all debts and expenses, the residuary estate was £240,000, so he distributed £120,000 to each child with signed receipts.

Always get signed receipts from all beneficiaries acknowledging receipt of their inheritance. These receipts should state the beneficiary's name, the amount or items received, the date, and their signature. Retain these receipts for at least 6 years—they're your proof you fulfilled your duties correctly.

Missing beneficiaries create special challenges. John was executor for his uncle's estate with four beneficiaries. One beneficiary, his uncle's estranged son, hadn't responded to three letters. John took out "missing beneficiary insurance" for £25,000 to protect himself, then distributed to the other three beneficiaries. If the missing son appears later, the insurance covers his share.

When disputes arise between beneficiaries, maintain strict neutrality. You cannot favor one beneficiary over another, regardless of personal relationships. If beneficiaries can't agree on how to divide personal possessions or contest the will's interpretation, you may need professional mediation or court direction.

Interim distributions balance beneficiary expectations with executor protection. Sarah was ready to distribute at month 5, but she knew there was a contentious family situation. She made interim distributions of 60% of each beneficiary's share, retaining 40% until month 8. This approach acknowledges beneficiary needs while maintaining a safety buffer.

Property transfers require a different document called an assent. This legal document formally transfers property from the estate to the beneficiary. It must be executed as a deed and registered with the Land Registry. Your solicitor can prepare the assent for typically £150-300.

Average waiting time for beneficiaries to receive inheritance is 6-12 months after the grant of probate. Simple estates with only cash may distribute in 6 months. Complex estates with property sales, business assets, or international holdings typically take 12 months or longer.

Distributing the estate isn't the final step. UK law requires executors to prepare formal estate accounts documenting every penny that came in and went out during administration.

Preparing Final Estate Accounts

Estate accounts provide formal financial documentation of your stewardship of the estate. While not always legally required for small estates, preparing them is best practice and protects you from future beneficiary challenges.

Estate accounts are a formal financial record showing the estate's opening position at probate valuation, all income received during administration, all expenses paid, and final distributions to beneficiaries. The closing balance should be zero or a nominal residual amount.

Include these components in your estate accounts. Start with the opening estate value as declared on your probate application. Record all income received—bank interest, rental income, dividends, sale proceeds from assets. Document all payments made—debts paid, funeral expenses, administration costs like probate fees and solicitor fees, and all taxes paid.

List distributions to each beneficiary by name and amount. The closing balance confirms all funds are accounted for and distributed. Any small residual balance (under £100) is typically donated to charity as specified in the will's residuary clause.

David completed his mother's estate administration. He prepared accounts showing: Opening estate value £285,000; income received £3,200 (bank interest); expenses paid £18,400 (funeral £4,200, probate fees £800, solicitor £2,400, estate agent £4,500, debts £6,500); distributions to three beneficiaries £270,000 (£90,000 each). Closing balance: £200 (donated to charity as per will's residuary clause). All three beneficiaries signed the accounts confirming approval. David kept signed copies for 7 years.

Main beneficiaries, or ideally all beneficiaries, should review and sign the accounts confirming their agreement with your administration. Their signatures acknowledge they've received their correct entitlements and have no further claims against you as executor.

Retain signed estate accounts for at least 6 years. This retention period protects you from potential future disputes, HMRC enquiries, or court scrutiny. If a beneficiary later claims you mismanaged the estate, your signed accounts provide documentary proof of proper administration.

Sophie's cautionary tale illustrates the importance of formal accounts. She didn't prepare estate accounts and distributed her father's estate informally. Two years later, one beneficiary questioned whether Sophie paid too much to the solicitor. Without documented accounts, Sophie struggled to prove the expenses were legitimate and reasonable. A family dispute escalated, damaging relationships and requiring mediation.

Signed, approved accounts protect you from allegations of mismanagement or self-dealing. They demonstrate transparency and proper stewardship, making it nearly impossible for beneficiaries to successfully challenge your actions years later.

The entire process from receiving probate to distributing the last penny can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Here's what affects the timeline.

How Long Does Estate Distribution Take After Probate?

Setting realistic expectations about distribution timelines helps manage beneficiary relationships and reduces pressure on you as executor. The complexity of the estate determines the timeframe.

Simple estates containing only cash, no property, few beneficiaries, and no disputes typically complete within 6 months after the grant. Moderate estates with property to sell, standard assets, and straightforward beneficiaries take 9-12 months after the grant. Complex estates involving multiple properties, business interests, international assets, or disputes require 12-24+ months after the grant.

Executors are generally expected to complete administration within 12 months of death (not the grant date), though no strict legal deadline exists. This expectation is known as the "executor's year." While not legally binding, unreasonable delays beyond 12 months can lead to beneficiary complaints or court applications to compel distribution.

Paul's aunt left £85,000 in savings and no property. Paul received probate in March, placed his Section 27 notice immediately, closed bank accounts by April, waited until September (6 months post-grant) for claim protection, prepared accounts in August, and distributed in September. Total time from grant to distribution: 6 months.

Linda's father left a house and £60,000 savings. Linda received probate in January, listed the house in February, sold by June (4 months later), paid CGT in July, waited for the 6-month claim period (to July), prepared accounts in October, and distributed in November. Total time: 11 months.

James's mother's estate included two rental properties, a business, and international shares. Probate granted in February. Business valuation took 4 months (June), first rental sold in August, second in November, international shares transferred by January (11 months post-grant), final accounts prepared in March, distribution in April. Total time: 18 months.

Several factors speed up distribution. Digital probate applications average around 5 weeks versus longer for paper applications. No property to sell removes the 4-6 month property sale timeline. Cooperative beneficiaries, organized estate records, and experienced executors or professional support all accelerate the process.

Conversely, property sales add 4-6 months. Inheritance Act claims or will disputes can add 6-24 months. Missing beneficiaries add 3-12 months while you trace them. Business valuations and sales add 6-18 months. International assets add 6-24 months due to cross-border legal requirements. HMRC tax investigations can add 6-18 months to the timeline.

Estate Type Probate to Distribution Timeline Key Factors
Simple (cash only) 6 months Section 27 notice (2 months) + 6-month claim window
Moderate (property + cash) 9-12 months Property sale (4-6 months) + 6-month claim window
Complex (multiple assets, business) 12-24+ months Business valuations, multiple sales, tax complexities
Disputed (will contest) 18-36+ months Court proceedings, mediation, settlement negotiations

Most beneficiaries receive their inheritance 6-12 months after the grant of probate. Simple estates may be faster, but complex estates often take 12-18 months. Understanding these timelines helps set realistic expectations for beneficiaries and protects you as executor from accusations of delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long after probate is granted can funds be distributed?

A: Executors can begin distributing funds immediately after receiving the grant of probate, but it's recommended to wait at least 6 months. This protects against potential inheritance claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, which allows claims up to 6 months from the grant date. Simple estates may distribute within 6 months, while complex estates typically take 9-12 months.

Q: What documents do I need to show banks after probate is granted?

A: You'll need to provide banks with the original grant of probate (or certified copies with the court hologram), the death certificate, your identification as the named executor, and proof of address. Each bank has specific account closure forms that all named executors must sign. Some banks may also require additional verification depending on the account type and balance.

Q: Can beneficiaries demand their inheritance immediately after probate?

A: No, beneficiaries cannot legally demand immediate distribution after probate is granted. Executors must first pay all estate debts, taxes, and expenses before distributing inheritances. The law allows executors up to 12 months (the "executor's year") to complete administration, though many estates are settled sooner. Executors who distribute too early may be personally liable for unpaid debts.

Q: Do I need to advertise for creditors after receiving the grant of probate?

A: While not legally required, it's highly recommended to place a Section 27 notice in The Gazette and a local newspaper to protect against unknown creditors. This notice must run for at least 2 months before distributing the estate. If you fail to advertise and unknown creditors emerge later, you as executor may be personally liable for those debts, even after distributing the estate.

Q: What taxes must be paid after probate is granted?

A: After probate, executors must pay any outstanding Income Tax on rental income, business profits, or investment income earned by the estate during administration. Capital Gains Tax applies if you sell assets (like property or shares) for more than their probate valuation, calculated at 24% for residential property. The estate receives a £3,000 annual CGT exemption for the first three tax years of administration.

Q: How long does it take for beneficiaries to receive their inheritance after probate?

A: On average, beneficiaries wait 6-12 months to receive their inheritance after the grant of probate is issued. Simple estates with just bank accounts and no property may distribute within 6 months. Complex estates involving property sales, share transfers, or international assets typically take 12 months or longer. Property sales alone add 4-6 months to the timeline.

Q: Can I sell the deceased's property immediately after probate is granted?

A: Yes, you can begin the property sale process immediately after receiving the grant of probate, as this document gives you legal authority to sell. However, you must report and pay any Capital Gains Tax to HMRC within 60 days of the sale completing if the property sold for more than its probate valuation. Most property sales take 4-6 months from listing to completion.

Conclusion

Key takeaways:

  • Receiving your grant of probate is a major milestone, but the real work of estate administration begins now
  • Follow the priority sequence: access accounts first, place creditor notices immediately, pay all debts and taxes before distributing
  • Wait at least 6 months after the grant date before final distribution to protect yourself from Inheritance Act claims and creditor liability
  • Keep meticulous records of every transaction, get signed receipts from beneficiaries, and prepare formal estate accounts
  • Most estates distribute within 6-12 months after probate; property sales and complex assets extend the timeline to 12-18+ months

Being an executor is one of the most important responsibilities you'll ever undertake. While the process can feel overwhelming, following the correct legal sequence protects both you and the beneficiaries. With the grant of probate in hand, you now have the legal authority to honor the deceased's wishes and bring closure to their financial affairs.

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Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.

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