How long does probate take in the UK?

Straightforward estates typically take 6 to 12 months from application to final distribution. The probate application itself usually takes 8 to 16 weeks to be granted, but the full process — including gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate — takes longer. Complex estates involving property sales, inheritance tax, or disputes can take 18 months or more.

Not always. Probate is usually required when the person who died owned property, had savings or investments above the threshold set by individual banks and institutions (often £5,000 to £50,000 depending on the provider), or held assets in their sole name. Joint assets that pass automatically to a surviving owner, and some pensions and life insurance policies paid directly to named beneficiaries, typically don't require probate.

What's the first thing I should do when someone dies?

In the first 24 to 48 hours, the practical priorities are: getting a medical certificate of cause of death from the hospital or GP, registering the death with the local register office (this must be done within 5 days in England and Wales), and contacting a funeral director if you'd like help with arrangements.

What is the difference between NHS continuing healthcare and council-funded care?

NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) is fully funded by the NHS for people with a primary health need — it covers the full cost of care in any setting and is free. Council-funded care is means-tested: the council assesses your finances and may pay some or all of the cost depending on your assets and income. If you have assets above the upper capital limit (currently £23,250 in England), you are expected to pay the full cost yourself.

Guided support through bereavement, probate & care planning in the UK.

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How do I know when my parent needs care? Will the council pay — or do I sell the house? How much does a care home cost per week? Do I need power of attorney? What if they've already lost capacity? What's the first thing to do when someone dies? Do I need probate — is my estate excepted? How do I sell my mother's house after care? How many death certificates do I need? How much pension will Mum get after Dad dies? Do I have to pay inheritance tax on the house? Who do I notify — and in what order?

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20 mins· Phase D · Legal & Financial· 2 docs needed

If your surviving parent needs someone to manage finances or health decisions, an LPA may be essential.

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Understanding your plan

Essentials

3/3 ✓

The Funeral

2/2 ✓

Building the Picture

4/4 ✓

Legal & Financial

1/7

Getting Valuations

0/3

Settling Affairs

0/7

Sell the Property

0/3

D. Legal & Financial

Weeks 2–4

Tasks in this phase

Check budget & finances

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LPA

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Understanding Care

Care

25 mins

Apply for benefits

15 mins

Notify all institutions

45 mins

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LPA Module

Do you need an LPA?

~20 minutes · Phase D · 2 docs needed

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What is an LPA?

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Does the person still have mental capacity?

An LPA can only be set up while the person still has the mental capacity to understand what they're agreeing to.

Yes — they can still make decisions

I'm not sure — it varies

No — they've lost capacity

What if you're not sure?

Capacity can fluctuate. A GP can carry out a formal assessment. If there's any chance they still have lucid periods, it's worth exploring.

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