Executor Guide

Estate Administration Timeline

A realistic, stage-by-stage guide to administering an estate in the UK — from the immediate steps after death to final distribution to beneficiaries.

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Typical Timelines at a Glance

6–9 months

Simple estate

No property, no IHT, clear will, cooperative beneficiaries

9–15 months

Average estate

One property, modest IHT, straightforward will

18–36 months

Complex estate

Multiple properties, significant IHT, business interests or overseas assets

2–5 years

Disputed estate

Will challenge, beneficiary disputes or HMRC enquiry

Stage-by-Stage Timeline

What happens at each stage of estate administration — and how long each stage typically takes.

Immediate steps after death

Days 1–14

Register the death (must be done within 5 days in England and Wales)
Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate (you will need 10–15)
Locate the will and identify the executor(s)
Notify banks, pension providers and HMRC of the death
Secure the deceased's property and assets
Arrange the funeral

Note: Banks will freeze accounts on notification of death. This is normal — funds will be released once probate is granted.

Valuing the estate

Weeks 2–8

Write to all banks, building societies and financial institutions for date-of-death valuations
Obtain a professional valuation of any property (RICS surveyor)
Value investments, shares and ISAs
Identify and value any business interests
Identify all debts and liabilities
Check for any lifetime gifts made in the 7 years before death (relevant for IHT)

Note: Financial institutions typically take 2–4 weeks to respond. Chasing is often required.

Inheritance tax and probate application

Weeks 6–16

Complete the inheritance tax return (IHT400 or IHT205 for excepted estates)
Pay any inheritance tax due (must be paid before probate is granted)
Submit the probate application to the Probate Registry
Swear the executor's oath (or make a statement of truth)
Wait for the Probate Registry to process the application

Note: IHT must be paid within 6 months of death to avoid interest. The Probate Registry currently takes 8–16 weeks to process applications.

Grant of probate issued

Milestone — typically 4–6 months after death

Receive the grant of probate (or letters of administration)
Send certified copies to banks, financial institutions and the Land Registry
Open an executor's bank account to receive estate funds

Note: The grant of probate is the legal authority to deal with the estate. Nothing can be formally distributed before this point.

Collecting and realising assets

Months 4–9

Close bank accounts and transfer funds to the executor's account
Sell or transfer investments and shares
Deal with any property — sale or transfer to beneficiaries
Collect any outstanding income (rent, dividends, interest)
Claim any refunds due (tax, insurance, pension)

Note: Property sales can take 3–6 months. This is often the longest stage for estates with property.

Paying debts and liabilities

Months 5–10

Pay all outstanding debts (credit cards, loans, utilities)
Settle any outstanding income tax with HMRC
Pay any capital gains tax arising from asset sales
Settle executor's and solicitor's fees
Consider placing a statutory advertisement (protects executors from unknown creditors)

Note: Executors are personally liable for debts paid to beneficiaries if unknown creditors later come forward. A statutory advertisement provides protection.

Estate accounts and final distribution

Months 9–18

Prepare estate accounts showing all assets, liabilities and distributions
Obtain approval of accounts from beneficiaries
Make interim distributions if appropriate
File the final income tax return for the estate
Make final distributions to beneficiaries
Obtain receipts from all beneficiaries

Note: Executors should retain records for at least 12 years after the final distribution.

What Causes Delays?

These are the most common factors that extend the estate administration timeline beyond the typical range.

Property in the estate

Adds 3–6 months for sale or transfer

Inheritance tax payable

Adds 4–8 weeks for IHT return and payment

Overseas assets

Adds 6–18 months for foreign probate proceedings

Disputed will or estate

Can add years if litigation is involved

Missing beneficiaries

Adds weeks to months to locate

Probate Registry delays

Currently 8–16 weeks processing time

Complex business interests

Adds 3–12 months for valuation and transfer

HMRC enquiries

Can add 6–18 months if HMRC investigates the IHT return

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does estate administration take in the UK?

A straightforward estate with no property and no inheritance tax typically takes 6–9 months. An average estate with a property takes 9–15 months. Complex estates with multiple properties, overseas assets or significant IHT can take 18–36 months. Disputed estates can take several years.

When can beneficiaries expect to receive their inheritance?

Beneficiaries should not expect to receive anything until at least 6 months after the date of death — and in most cases 9–18 months. Executors can make interim distributions once probate is granted and the main assets have been collected, but should retain a reserve for unknown debts and tax liabilities.

What is the executor's year?

The "executor's year" is a legal principle that gives executors 12 months from the date of death to complete the administration before beneficiaries can demand distribution. This does not mean administration always takes a year — it simply protects executors from being forced to distribute prematurely.

Can an executor be removed for taking too long?

Yes — if an executor is unreasonably delaying the administration, beneficiaries can apply to the court to have them removed and replaced. However, courts recognise that complex estates take time and will not remove an executor simply because administration is taking longer than expected.

What happens if the estate has debts that exceed its assets?

If the estate is insolvent (debts exceed assets), the estate must be administered in a specific order of priority. Funeral expenses and administration costs are paid first, then secured creditors, then unsecured creditors. Beneficiaries receive nothing if the estate is insolvent.

Do I need a solicitor to administer an estate?

There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor, but professional assistance is strongly recommended for estates with property, significant IHT, overseas assets, business interests or any complexity. Executors are personally liable for errors, and the cost of professional advice is usually far less than the cost of mistakes.

What is a statutory advertisement and should I place one?

A statutory advertisement (under the Trustee Act 1925) is a notice placed in The Gazette and a local newspaper inviting creditors to come forward within a specified period. After that period, executors are protected from personal liability for unknown debts. It is strongly recommended for any estate where there may be unknown creditors.

Can interim distributions be made before the estate is fully administered?

Yes — executors can make interim distributions once probate is granted and the main assets have been collected. However, they should always retain a reserve for outstanding tax liabilities, unknown debts and administration costs. The final distribution should only be made once all liabilities are settled.

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