How Do You Know When Probate Has Been Granted?

Waiting to find out whether probate has been granted for a loved one’s estate can be a stressful and uncertain experience. Whether you’re a beneficiary waiting on an inheritance or a family member trying to understand where things stand, it’s understandable to want clear answers.

At Lyons Solicitors, we have many years of experience supporting clients across Bristol, North and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire through the probate process. We know that waiting can be difficult, and we’re here to help you understand your options.

In this guide, we’ll answer some of the most common questions clients ask us around granting probate. Our experts will explain what a grant of probate is, how to check whether one has been issued, and what happens once it is.

To book a free initial consultation with our specialist probate solicitors in Chew Magna, Kingswood or Westbury-on-Trym and the wider Bristol area, please get in touch today.

What is a grant of probate?

A grant of probate is the official legal document issued by the court that confirms an executor (the person named in a Will to carry out its instructions) has the legal authority to administer a deceased person’s estate. It allows the executor to access bank accounts, sell property, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.

If someone dies without a valid Will (known as dying intestate), a similar document called letters of administration is issued instead. In that case, the court appoints an administrator to manage the estate. Together, these documents are sometimes called a grant of representation.

How do you find out if probate has been granted?

There are several ways to check whether probate has been granted for a particular person. The most straightforward is to use the government’s online probate search service, which holds records of grants issued in England and Wales from 1858 onwards.

If you’re a beneficiary named in a Will, the executor is expected to keep you reasonably informed. However, if communication has broken down or you want to verify things independently, the search service is available to anyone.

How does the Probate Registry search service work?

The Probate Registry is the court office responsible for processing probate applications. It maintains a searchable database of all grants issued in England and Wales.

You can search by the deceased person’s full name and date of death. If a grant has been issued, you can order a copy of the grant document and, where applicable, the Will. Each copy currently costs £16. Records are typically available to search around two weeks after the grant is issued.

What is a standing search?

A standing search is a formal request made to the Probate Registry that automatically notifies you when a grant of probate is issued for a named person. This is particularly useful if you believe an application is in progress but hasn’t yet been completed.

A standing search currently costs £3 and remains valid for six months. It can be renewed after that period if necessary. To apply, you’ll need to submit a request to the Probate Registry with the deceased’s name, date of death, and date of birth if known.

How long does it take for probate to be granted?

The time it takes for probate to be granted varies considerably depending on the complexity of the estate, whether any disputes arise, and how quickly the Probate Registry is processing applications. In straightforward cases, it can take several months from the date of application to the grant being issued.

Before an application can even be submitted, the executor must first complete any required inheritance tax forms, which can add further time to the overall process.

What information does a grant of probate contain?

A grant of probate includes the full name and address of the deceased, the date of their death, and confirmation of who has been appointed as executor. It also states the gross and net value of the estate as declared for inheritance tax purposes.

This information is a matter of public record, meaning that anyone can apply to search for and obtain a copy of a grant. The grant does not, however, include a full breakdown of the estate’s individual assets.

What happens after probate is granted?

Once probate has been granted, the executor can begin the formal administration of the estate. This involves collecting assets, settling any outstanding debts or liabilities, and distributing what remains to the beneficiaries named in the Will.

The administration process can take many months, particularly where property needs to be sold or complex financial arrangements are involved. Beneficiaries are generally entitled to receive their inheritance once all debts have been settled and assets realised.

What if you are a beneficiary and the executor is not communicating?

If you’re a beneficiary and you haven’t heard from the executor, you’re not alone. People understandably worry when communication goes quiet, particularly in the months following a bereavement.

As a beneficiary, you have certain rights. You’re entitled to be informed when probate has been granted and to receive your share of the estate within a reasonable timeframe. If you have serious concerns about how the estate is being handled, or if you believe assets are being mismanaged, our contentious probate solicitors can advise you on your options.

Will I be notified when probate is granted?

There is no automatic system that notifies beneficiaries when probate has been granted. The executor is responsible for communicating with beneficiaries, but there’s no legal obligation to notify every interested party the moment a grant is issued.

If you want to be alerted as soon as a grant is made, a standing search through the Probate Registry is currently the most reliable way to ensure you receive notification promptly.

How much does it cost to search for a grant of probate?

Searching the Probate Registry’s online database to check whether a grant has been issued is free of charge. If you want to obtain a copy of the grant document (and the Will, where applicable), each copy currently costs £16.

A standing search, which notifies you automatically when a future grant is issued, costs £3 and lasts for six months.

Can I search for probate records online?

Yes. The government provides an online search service for probate records in England and Wales. You can search by the deceased person’s name, and records are available from 1858 to the present day.

The service is publicly accessible, meaning you don’t need to be a beneficiary or have any specific legal standing to carry out a search.

What can I do if probate has not been granted yet?

If probate hasn’t yet been granted and you’re waiting for the process to be completed, there are a few practical steps worth considering:

1. Lodge a standing search with the Probate Registry so you’re automatically notified when a grant is issued.
2. Check the online probate search service periodically to see if a grant has been registered.
3. Speak directly to the executor, if you know who they are, to ask for an update on the application.
4. Seek legal advice if you have concerns about delays, the validity of the Will, or whether the estate is being handled properly.

If you have questions about the contents of a Will, our Wills solicitors can advise you. If you feel you may have been unfairly left out of an estate, our Inheritance Act claims solicitors can explain whether you might have grounds to make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (the 1975 Act), which allows certain people to apply to the court if they feel reasonable financial provision has not been made for them.

Contact our probate solicitors in Bristol today

We are able to offer a free first consultation to answer any questions you might have about the probate process.

To book a free initial consultation with our specialist probate solicitors in Chew Magna, Kingswood or Westbury-on-Trym and the wider Bristol area, please get in touch today. You can use the contact details for each office or fill in the enquiry form on the right-hand side of the page to request a call back.