When a loved one passes away, one of the first concerns for families and friends is how long paying beneficiaries of a will takes.
This process is rarely immediate, as it involves legal steps like probate, settling debts, and distributing assets. For beneficiaries waiting for their inheritance, the wait can sometimes feel endless.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the probate timeline, explain the factors that affect payment, and answer common questions such as who contacts beneficiaries of a will, what if a beneficiary dies before receiving his inheritance, and can beneficiaries change a will.
Understanding the Probate Process
The distribution of an estate usually depends on probate.
Probate is the court-supervised process that verifies the will, appoints executors, and ensures that all financial matters are settled before money or property is given to beneficiaries.
Why Probate Is Necessary
Ensures the will is valid.
Confirms the executor’s authority.
Protects creditors by ensuring debts are paid before inheritance is released.
Provides a transparent legal framework to avoid disputes.
Typical Timeline for Paying Beneficiaries
While each case is different, most estates in the UK follow a general timeline.
1. Registering the Death (1–2 weeks)
The death must be registered before probate begins.
Executors will also collect the death certificate, which is essential for accessing financial accounts.
2. Valuing the Estate (4–12 weeks)
The executor identifies all assets (property, bank accounts, investments) and liabilities (loans, mortgages, taxes).
This step can take longer if assets are spread across multiple banks or countries.
3. Applying for Probate (8–16 weeks)
The executor applies for a Grant of Probate.
If inheritance tax is due, HMRC must be paid before probate is granted.
4. Settling Debts and Taxes (3–6 months)
Before beneficiaries can be paid, all debts, funeral expenses, and taxes are cleared.
In order to give creditors an opportunity to make claims against the estate, executors must also post notices to them.
5. Distributing the Estate (6–12 months)
Once probate is granted and debts are settled, executors can make interim or final distributions to beneficiaries.
Overall: Beneficiaries usually receive their inheritance within 6–12 months, though complex estates may take 18–24 months.
Who Contacts Beneficiaries of a Will?
The executor or the solicitor managing the estate is responsible for contacting beneficiaries.
They will:
Notify each beneficiary of their entitlement.
Provide updates on the progress of probate.
Arrange payment or transfer of property when ready.
Executors have a legal duty to keep beneficiaries informed, though they are not required to provide every detail of the estate.
What If a Beneficiary Dies Before Receiving His Inheritance?
A sensitive but important question is what happens if a beneficiary dies before receiving his inheritance.
The outcome depends on the will’s wording:
With substitution clauses: The will may name an alternative beneficiary (for example, “to my son, but if he dies before me, then to his children”).
Without substitution clauses: If no replacement is named, the inheritance may pass back into the estate and be redistributed under the residuary clause.
Beneficiary’s estate: Sometimes, the inheritance becomes part of the deceased beneficiary’s estate and is passed to their heirs.
This situation highlights why carefully drafted wills are crucial.
Who Is the Beneficiary of a Will?
A beneficiary is anyone named in the will to receive part of the estate.
This could include:
Spouses or civil partners.
Children, grandchildren, or other relatives.
Friends or trusted individuals.
Charities or organisations.
Beneficiaries have certain rights, such as being informed about the estate’s progress and receiving their inheritance once probate is complete.
Related reading: Can an Executor of a Will Be a Beneficiary?
Can Beneficiaries Change a Will?
The short answer is no beneficiaries cannot unilaterally change the will.
The deceased’s wishes must be respected. However, there are exceptions:
Deed of Variation: Beneficiaries can agree to change how assets are distributed, often to reduce inheritance tax or make things fairer among family members.
All-party agreement: Every affected beneficiary must agree for the deed of variation to be valid.
Without such agreement, the will remains as written.
Case Examples
Example 1: A Simple Estate
Sarah was left £50,000 by her grandmother.
The estate consisted mainly of savings in one bank account.
Probate was straightforward, and Sarah received her inheritance within 7 months.
Example 2: A Complex Estate with Property
James was named as a beneficiary in his uncle’s will, which included a family home, shares, and overseas assets.
Because the property had to be sold and tax matters resolved, James waited 18 months before receiving his full inheritance.
Example 3: Dispute Among Beneficiaries
The distribution of the inheritance was a point of contention between Emily and her brother.
The dispute led to a court case, delaying inheritance payments for nearly 3 years.
These examples show why timelines can vary so much.
Factors That Delay Payment
Even well-managed estates face challenges.
Common delays include:
Missing or disputed wills.
Complex property sales.
International assets.
Inheritance tax investigations.
Family disputes.
How Probate Central Can Help
Probate Central specialises in guiding executors and beneficiaries through probate.
Our team ensures:
Timely and transparent communication.
Professional handling of complex estates.
Support for beneficiaries waiting for their inheritance.
Need advice? Contact us today for a free consultation.
Summary
So, how long does paying beneficiaries of a will take?
Expect 6 to 12 months in most situations, but complicated estates or conflicts may cause this time to increase.
Executors are responsible for ensuring debts are settled and the estate is distributed according to the will.
Beneficiaries should understand their rights, including who contacts them, what happens if a beneficiary dies before receiving his inheritance, and whether changes to a will are possible.
Probate Central offers probate services UK to make this process smooth and stress-free as possible.
We can assist you whether you are an executor handling duties or a beneficiary anticipating inheritance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I ask the executor for updates?
Yes. Beneficiaries have the right to request updates, though executors don’t have to provide detailed accounts unless formally required.
Can executors withhold inheritance?
Executors must act in the best interests of the estate. They may delay payment if debts or disputes remain unresolved, but they cannot refuse payment without valid reasons.
Can I receive my inheritance before probate is complete?
In most cases, no. However, executors may provide an interim payment if funds are available.
What if the executor is not doing their job?
If an executor delays unnecessarily, beneficiaries can apply to the court to remove or replace them.
Do all estates go through probate?
No. Small estates with minimal assets may not require probate, meaning beneficiaries receive their inheritance more quickly.