Probate can move slowly. Even with courts cutting the wait for a grant to just over four weeks, that’s only one step in a long process.
Most estates still take six to twelve months from death to final pay-out. Longer if there’s overseas property or trusts involved.
In that time money sits locked away. Bills don’t. Tax doesn’t.
Demand is high and rising, around 292,000 probate applications were filed in 2022, growing by roughly 3% a year since 2020. The system is braced for over 350,000 cases a year. Long delays are becoming more common too, cases taking over a year are up to 134% in just three years, and those nearing two years are up 132%.
Untangled provides loans that could help you access your inheritance early. It could keep families moving when the process of probate doesn’t. It covers costs while assets remain tied up. It can help to remove pressure, not add to it.
When probate slows everything down, we are here to help get life moving again.
Common questions about probate delays and inheritance funding
Many beneficiaries ask how long probate takes and whether they can access money before an estate has been fully distributed. While every estate is different, probate can take months or, in some cases, longer. When funds are needed sooner, options such as an inheritance advance may help beneficiaries access a portion of their expected inheritance before the estate administration process is complete.
Lending decisions are subject to Untangled's suitability criteria, underwriting assessments, and affordability checks. Products are subject to change and may not be suitable for everyone.
If you are unsure about your options, you should seek independent legal or financial advice.
This illustration does not constitute financial advice.