Applying for Probate in England & Wales: What to Expect and What Often Delays It

 

Applying for probate is the point where many people feel the pressure most acutely. By this stage, the death has been registered, organisations are asking questions, and it can feel as though everything is “on hold” until probate is granted.

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It’s completely normal to worry about delays, paperwork, or whether you’re doing the right thing — especially if there’s a property involved or family members are waiting for progress. I don’t offer legal advice, but I can help you understand how the process works in practice, what commonly causes delays, and how to approach it calmly.

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​This article is part of our wider Probate Explained series, which sets out how probate and estate administration work in England and Wales.

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If you are going through probate and want to do it with confidence, our in depth guides Probate, Done Properly and Executor Mistakes and Risks have been designed to give you a balanced, end-to-end reference for acting as executor carefully and defensibly.

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At a glance

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• You usually need probate before assets can be released or property dealt with

• Most delays come from missing information or unclear values, not mistakes

• There is no fixed timescale — it varies depending on circumstances

• You can apply yourself in some cases, but it isn’t right for everyone

• Early clarity often prevents months of avoidable stress later

 

What “applying for probate” actually involves (in practice)

 

At a high level, applying for probate means submitting information to the Probate Registry so they can issue the legal authority to deal with the estate.

 

In reality, most of the work happens before anything is submitted. People usually spend time:

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• identifying what assets and liabilities exist

• gathering date-of-death values

• checking how property is owned

• making sure paperwork is consistent

 

A common pattern I see is people underestimating this preparation stage, then feeling frustrated when things take longer than expected.

 

What information is usually needed before you apply

 

While every estate is different, applications generally run more smoothly when you have:

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• clear details of the deceased and their estate

• reliable values for property, bank accounts, and investments

• supporting documents that align with those values

 

Trying to apply without this groundwork often leads to follow-up questions from the registry, which can slow things down significantly.

 

How long does probate take?

 

There is no guaranteed timeframe. Processing times vary depending on:

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• how complete and clear the application is

• whether the registry raises queries

• how busy the system is at the time

 

People often ask, “How long does probate take once submitted?” — but the more useful question is “What could cause it to be delayed?”

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For more detailed information  on this topic, you can read our article How Long Does Probate Take in the UK.

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Common causes of delay

 

In practice, delays most often come from:

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• missing or inconsistent information

• unclear property ownership

• valuations that later need correcting

• misunderstandings about what needs to be declared

• follow-up questions raised after submission

 

Delays are frustrating, but they are very common — and usually fixable once the underlying issue is identified.

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To read more about what can cause delays and how they can be avoided, please view our article Why Probate Applications Get Delayed (and How to Reduce the Risk)

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If you are experiencing a delay due to challenges with a co-executor, our article What Happens If One Executor Won’t Cooperate? is for you.

 

The “six-month rule”: what people are really worried about

 

Many people hear about a “six-month rule” and worry they’re already late or have done something wrong.

In most cases, what they’re really concerned about is:

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• whether they’re expected to apply immediately

• whether waiting causes penalties or problems

• whether beneficiaries will be affected

 

The practical focus is usually on progressing things sensibly, keeping records, and addressing tax or property issues at the right time (for example, paying IHT within 6 months) — rather than racing to meet a fixed deadline.

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To learn more about the 'six-month rule' you may wish to read our article The Six-Month Rule in Probate.

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Can you apply for probate yourself?

 

Some people do apply for probate themselves, particularly for simpler estates. The decision usually comes down to:

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• complexity (property, gifts, multiple executors, uncertain values)

• confidence with paperwork and deadlines

• emotional bandwidth and time

 

I’ve spoken with many executors who started DIY with good intentions, only to realise later that the estate was more complex than it first appeared. That doesn’t mean DIY is wrong — just that it isn’t always the easiest route.

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To understand more about applying for probate yourself, and weighing this up against using professional help, our article Can You Apply for Probate Yourself? is design to help.

 

Common misconceptions (that add stress)

 

“Probate always takes the same amount of time.”

 

It doesn’t. Timelines vary widely depending on circumstances.

 

“If I’m organised, there won’t be delays.”

 

Organisation helps, but some delays are outside your control.

 

“I need years of bank statements.”

 

What’s required depends on the estate and the organisations involved.

 

“I can’t do anything until probate is granted.”

 

There is often a lot you can do before the grant arrives.

 

What usually happens next

 

Once probate is granted, people typically move into estate administration, which can include:

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• collecting assets

• paying liabilities

• dealing with property

• preparing final accounts and distributions

 

If you’re unsure whether you’re still preparing, actively applying, or waiting on a decision, clarifying that stage alone can make the process feel far more manageable.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What information is required to apply for probate?

 

This usually includes details of the deceased, information about the estate’s assets and liabilities, and supporting paperwork that confirms values and ownership. Requirements can vary depending on the estate.

 

How long after someone dies can you apply for probate?

 

There is no fixed waiting period. Many people apply once they have gathered the necessary information and values, rather than immediately after the death.

 

How long is UK probate currently taking?

 

Timescales vary and can change depending on workload and the complexity of the application. Delays are common where further information is requested.

 

What happens if you don’t apply for probate within six months?

 

In most cases, the key issue is not the passage of time itself, but whether the estate is being managed appropriately and whether any tax or reporting obligations are affected.

 

Can you apply for probate without a solicitor?

 

Yes, some people apply themselves. Whether this is suitable depends on the complexity of the estate and the individual’s confidence with paperwork and deadlines.