Timescales for the probate process depend on a lot of factors. There can be delays in the court process of obtaining a grant, caused either by court workloads or errors on the forms. Thereafter, much depends on the size and complexity of the estate and the number of beneficiaries. It also depends on how long it takes to realise assets particularly if there is a house to sell. The inheritance tax return has to be submitted within 6 months of death which provides an informal target date to resolve matters. However, a simple estate can be dealt with in a matter of weeks.
