Urgent timing issue
Do not wait for perfect certainty
Different claims have different time limits. Even where there is no simple deadline, delay can damage evidence and let estate assets move.
Get advice quickly if assets are moving
If probate, confirmation, or representation is underway and there is a serious validity dispute, speak to a specialist solicitor in the correct jurisdiction before relying on online guidance.
| Jurisdiction | Issue | Public warning |
|---|---|---|
| England and Wales | Caveat before probate | A caveat can stop a grant for six months and can be extended. It can create costs risk if misused. |
| England and Wales | Inheritance Act 1975 claim | Usually six months from the grant of representation. Late claims need court permission. |
| England and Wales | Will validity challenge | There is no single simple public deadline, but delay can be dangerous. |
| Scotland | Confirmation | The process is confirmation, not probate. Get Scots-law advice quickly if a will or executor is disputed. |
| Scotland | Legal rights | HMRC guidance refers to a general 20-year period to claim or discharge legal rights, but distribution and evidence still matter. |
| Northern Ireland | Caveat | nidirect says a caveat lasts six months and can be renewed within one month of expiry. |
| Northern Ireland | Family provision | The NI 1979 Order uses a usual six-month period from representation first being taken out, except with permission. |