Waiting time for Probate after a death

[Bayleaf]

Does anyone know the average time for a, supposedly simple, succession after someone's death? 500€ was spent on a married couple's Will, many years ago. The wife died just over a year ago and the Will states the surviving spouse gets everything (basically small bungalow and savings in account - not a huge amount).

The Notaires have gone quiet since March, when they asked for details of the two daughters (even though they don't benefit at this point). Now if we ring them (I ring on behalf of the elderly widower), they say write an email, don't call. The older daughter writes an email and doesn't even get an acknowledgement. She's down from Germany at the moment while we try desperately to get her father into a home after being in hospital for nearly 6 months. Notaire says no RDV possible before beginning of November, and daughter will be gone by then.

Even the bank are complaining they're not getting a response from the Notaire.

[Lori]

Can you change to a different Notaire ?

If I were the daughter, I would go to the Notaire's office and demand to speak with him/her - noting the long delay of hearing nothing as the reason. Depending on her level of confidence, I would politely refuse to leave until someone either speaks with her or gives her an appointment during the time she is visiting.

If the Notaire chooses to offer neither, I would ask for the entire dossier to be given to her so she can take it to another Notaire. I'd also file a complaint and contact local media. Depending on how large the town is, media might take an interest.

[RobertArthur]

Droits de succession - Déclaration. The deadline is as follows: six months from the date of death if the person died in the district where they were resident. One year from the date of death in other cases.

More detailed information also here.

[Bayleaf]

The surviving spouse declared all the necessary information to the Notaire within a couple of months of his wife's death as far as I can see. I'm assuming that the Grant of Probate is now in the hands of said Notaire - who appear to be the only establishment in town.

I see a sit-in coming on, while I still have the daughter here. She doesn't drive, so Yours Truly is chauffeur. Thankfully, her command of French is pretty good, so between us I think we have a fighting chance of achieving something.

I just wondered if it was too early to chase yet, as in the UK I believe the average time between death and Grant of Probate for a fairly simple estate is two years.

[hughnique]

I don't think it's 2 years in the UK, I recently chased a will from some old biddy that insisted she had left me a substantial amount, needless to say sweet FA, but that was probated 6 months after her death. This elderly chap you are dealing with, I have been given the impression that if one is resident in France then French succession laws apply, and they are a bit bizarre.

[beejay]

According to a solicitor the UK Probate Registry in the UK as of March 2025:

The overall average processing time has reduced significantly from 14 weeks in 2023 to around 9 weeks in 2025

Straightforward applications with uncomplicated wills are 4-8 weeks
Intestacy cases (where someone dies without a will) may be processed in a matter of days if submitted online
Complex cases (particularly those with international elements) still average 16-20 weeks for processing, but can be longer

[Bayleaf]

Yes, both parties were/are resident in France. So the bizarre French laws apply - even when it seems such a simple Will. Just an acknowledgement to an email would be a start!!

Staged sit-in possibly being the next plan of action!