When a loved one passes away, many important legal and financial processes take place, including the administration of their estate.
One of the most common questions families ask is: “When do beneficiaries of a will get notified in the UK?”
Understanding the timeline, responsibilities of executors, and how the process works can help ease uncertainty during an already difficult time.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the notification process, from how long it usually takes, to who contacts the beneficiaries, and what happens if there are delays.
Understanding the Role of Beneficiaries
Before diving into notification timelines, it’s important to clarify who beneficiaries are.
A beneficiary is someone named in a will to receive assets, money, or property after the testator (the person who made the will) passes away.
Beneficiaries may include friends, relatives, or even nonprofit organizations.
In certain situations, a beneficiary may also be the will’s executor.
If you’re curious about how this works, you can read our guide: Can an Executor of a Will Be a Beneficiary?
When Do Beneficiaries of a Will Get Notified UK?
Beneficiaries in the UK are often informed soon after probate is granted.
The legal process of forming the will and granting the executor the power to manage the estate is known as probate.
Depending on how complicated the estate is, the timeline changes:
Simple estates: beneficiaries may be notified within a few weeks after the executor begins work.
Complex estates: with property, debts, or overseas assets, it can take several months before beneficiaries are formally contacted.
Executors have a legal duty to keep beneficiaries informed, but there is no set time frame in law.
That said, most beneficiaries expect to hear something within 3 to 6 months after the death.
How Long After a Person Dies Will Beneficiaries Be Notified UK?
This is one of the most common questions families ask.
1. Initial period after death
Immediately following death, the executor gathers documents, locates the will, and arranges the funeral. Notification of beneficiaries typically doesn’t happen at this stage.
2. Probate application
Once the executor applies for probate, the process of contacting beneficiaries begins. Probate can take 8–16 weeks depending on HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) processing times.
3. Notification
Beneficiaries are usually informed after probate is granted though in some cases, executors may notify them earlier, especially if their consent is needed for certain actions.
When Is a Will Read After Death?
Unlike what you may see in movies, there is no formal will reading ceremony in the UK.
Instead, the executor or solicitor handling the estate will review the will privately.
Beneficiaries are then informed individually about their entitlements.
If you are a beneficiary, you can request a copy of the will once probate has been granted, as wills become a matter of public record in the UK.
How Soon Is a Will Read After Death?
Since there is no official “reading of the will” in the UK, the speed depends on how quickly the executor can access the will.
Usually:
The will is located within days or weeks after death.
Executors often begin reviewing it immediately to understand instructions.
However, beneficiaries may not be told straight away, as executors need to confirm the estate details first.
Who Contacts Beneficiaries of a Will?
The executor of the will is in charge of getting in touch with beneficiaries.
If a solicitor is managing probate on behalf of the executor, they may also contact beneficiaries directly.
Executors are expected to act promptly and responsibly, but delays can occur due to estate complexities.
You can ask the executor or solicitor for clarification if you feel you should have been informed but haven’t been.
If you are an executor and need professional support, probate services can guide you through the entire process, ensuring legal compliance and peace of mind.
Will Reading in the UK – Myth vs Reality
Many people imagine a formal event where all beneficiaries gather to hear the will being read aloud. In reality:
This tradition is more common in films and American culture.
In the UK, beneficiaries are notified privately.
The process is handled through correspondence and documentation rather than gatherings.
Why Might Notification Be Delayed?
Beneficiaries may sometimes experience delays in being notified. Common reasons include:
1. It may take some time to find the original will if it is missing or confusing.
2. Complicated estate assets abroad, multiple properties, or business ownership slow down the process.
3. Executor disputes disagreements among executors can delay progress.
4. Debts and liabilities executors must settle outstanding debts before distributing inheritance.
5. Probate delays the probate office backlog can extend waiting times.
What Can Beneficiaries Do If They Haven’t Been Notified?
If you believe you are a beneficiary but haven’t been contacted:
1. Wait for probate to be granted – this often takes a few months.
2. Check the probate record – once granted, you can obtain a copy of the will online.
3. Contact the executor – politely request an update.
4. Seek legal advice – if delays are unreasonable or suspicious, professional advice may be needed.
Probate Central specialises in probate services across the UK and can assist both executors and beneficiaries.
If you’d like to speak with us directly, contact us.
Summary
If you are a beneficiary waiting to be contacted, it’s natural to feel anxious or uncertain.
While there may be some waiting involved, rest assured that the process is designed to ensure fairness, accuracy, and legal compliance.
Executors must act in the best interests of both the estate and the beneficiaries.
For executors handling probate, professional guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.
Probate Central provides tailored Probate UK services, ensuring that wills are administered efficiently and beneficiaries are kept informed.