When a person passes away in Ireland, their estate cannot usually be distributed until a Grant of Probate (where there is a will) or a Grant of Letters of Administration (where there is none) has been issued.
Solicitors know that this is often the stage where clients become anxious – probate can feel slow, uncertain, and entirely out of their hands.
In this article, we look at how long probate typically takes in Ireland, why delays happen, and how an accurate, timely Probate Office Search can help solicitors avoid unnecessary setbacks for their clients.
How Long Does Probate Usually Take in Ireland?
The length of time it takes to obtain a Grant of Probate varies depending on the complexity of the estate and the completeness of the documentation.
For a straightforward estate, the process can take between three and six months. However, more complex cases – particularly those involving property valuations, tax matters, or incomplete paperwork – can easily extend to twelve months or more.
Ultimately, the timeline is determined by how quickly a complete and accurate application can be prepared and submitted to the Probate Office.
Even small errors in affidavits or missing supporting documents can lead to a return of papers, causing several weeks of delay.
The Main Stages of Probate
Understanding each stage helps identify where bottlenecks tend to arise.
– Gathering Information
The executor and solicitor must collect details of all assets, liabilities, and beneficiaries. This usually includes obtaining a death certificate, verifying marriage or birth records, and sometimes performing a Probate Office Search to confirm whether a Grant has already been issued.
– Preparing the Inland Revenue Affidavit (CA24)
The Revenue form details the estate’s assets and liabilities. Any missing valuations or inaccuracies here can delay approval.
– Preparing the Probate Application
This includes drafting affidavits, the will (if applicable), and supporting documentation for submission to the Probate Office.
– Lodging and Examination
The Probate Office reviews the papers. If any issues arise – missing certificates, inconsistencies, or incorrect wording – the application is returned for correction.
– Issuance of Grant and Estate Administration
Once approved, the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is issued, allowing assets to be collected, debts paid, and distributions made.
Why Does Probate Take So Long?
Even in efficient practices, several factors can cause delays:
Missing or Incomplete Documentation
One of the most common issues is missing death, birth, or marriage certificates, or the absence of a Copy Grant from a previous application. Ensuring that all relevant records are sourced early – via official Probate Office Searches and civil certificate searches – can prevent rejections or backlogs.
Valuation or Tax Delays
Revenue clearance can take time, especially if assets require professional valuation (such as property or company shares).
Disputes or Challenges
Contested wills or family disagreements under the Succession Act 1965 often bring probate to a standstill until resolved.
Overseas Complications
Assets or beneficiaries located outside Ireland introduce additional legal and documentation requirements.
Probate Office Processing Times
The central Probate Office and regional registries may experience periods of backlog depending on volume and staffing.
What Is a Probate Office Search?
A Probate Office Search provides an official Search Report from the Probate Office, which can include a Copy Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
Solicitors typically request this search to:
– Confirm whether a Grant has already issued for a particular deceased person;
– Obtain a Copy Grant or Will for case reference or estate investigation;
– Verify details before preparing a new application;
– Support litigation, conveyancing, or estate tracing work.
By ordering a Probate Office Search early in the process, solicitors can avoid duplication, identify existing Grants, and ensure their application is correctly prepared.
How Corporate Access Helps with Probate Office Searches
At Corporate Access, we provide fast, reliable access to Probate Office Search Reports across Ireland.
Through our Law Search Box platform, solicitors can:
- – Order official Probate Office Searches online to verify whether a Grant has issued.
- – Obtain Copy Grants of Probate or Administration directly from the Probate Office.
- – Access related Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificate Searches within the same workflow.
- – Receive results promptly, helping to avoid submission delays and client frustration.
The Role of Civil Certificate Searches
In many estates, confirming next-of-kin relationships is essential. Civil records – such as birth, marriage, and death certificates – support probate applications and help establish entitlement where there is no will. For example:
- – A marriage certificate may be required to prove the surviving spouse’s right to administer the estate.
- – A birth certificate can establish the legal relationship of children or next of kin.
- – A death certificate is always required before applying for probate or administration.By combining Probate Office Searches with certificate searches, solicitors can prepare a fully verified application and minimise the risk of rejection by the Probate Office.
Practical Tips for Solicitors Managing Probate Timelines
Start Searches Early
– Order Probate Office and certificate searches at the outset to avoid mid-process delays.
Keep Clients Informed
– Set clear expectations on likely timeframes and dependencies.
Check for Prior Grants
– Always confirm whether a Grant has already been issued before drafting papers.
Submit Complete Applications
– Ensure all affidavits, valuations, and certificates are included to avoid rework.
Use Trusted Search Partners
– Partnering with an experienced provider such as Corporate Access saves time and ensures accuracy.
Probate in Ireland is a careful and document-heavy process. While timelines can vary, most delays arise from missing documentation or administrative oversights that can be easily avoided with thorough preparation.
Using a Probate Office Search early in the process gives solicitors clarity on existing Grants, prevents duplication, and ensures the Probate Office receives a clean, complete submission – helping estates progress faster and clients stay informed.
Through the Law Search Box, Corporate Access offers a seamless way to order Probate Office Search Reports, Copy Grants, and civil certificates, all in one place – supporting the efficiency and accuracy that modern probate work demands.