Probate in New Zealand usually takes several months from death to final distribution, but there are a few different “timeframes” to keep in mind.

How long does probate itself take?

When people ask “how long does probate take in NZ?”, they often mean “how long until the High Court grants probate?” Typical timings:

  • Preparing the application: Around 1–3 weeks for the lawyer or executor to gather documents, get the death certificate, and prepare affidavits and forms.
  • High Court processing: The Probate Registry’s target is about 15 working days, but in practice it is commonly 4–8 weeks , and can extend to around 12 weeks in periods of higher workload (which has been reported as common in recent years).

So, in a straightforward case, a realistic answer is that getting probate granted typically takes about 2–3 months from starting the application.

How long until the estate is fully wrapped up?

Grant of probate is only the midpoint; the estate still has to be administered. For an ordinary, uncomplicated estate:

  • Estate administration (after probate): Collecting assets, paying debts and tax, selling any property if needed, and then distributing to beneficiaries typically takes 6–12 months in total from death to final distribution for a simple estate.
  • Some guides say a “standard” estate may sometimes be fully dealt with in 4–6 months if everything is very straightforward, assets are mostly in NZ, and there are no disputes.

For more complex estates:

  • Multiple properties, business interests, overseas assets, or family disputes can push the timeline out to 9–18 months or longer.

The “6‑month rule” after probate

You’ll often hear about a “6‑month” waiting period in NZ:

  • Executors usually wait 6 months after the grant of probate before making final distributions because people can still bring claims (for example under the Family Protection Act 1955 or Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act).
  • This period is common practice to protect the executor from personal liability for later claims or unknown creditors turning up.
  • Interim payments can sometimes be made earlier, but they carry some risk if a later claim succeeds.

What affects how long probate takes?

Key factors that can speed up or slow down the process in NZ include:

  • How clean the paperwork is: Accurate, complete applications with the original will and correct affidavits move faster. If the Court has to requisition more information, the clock stretches out.
  • Court workload: Recent informal reports from people dealing with the Wellington High Court probate team suggest 12–16 week processing times have not been unusual when the Registry is busy.
  • Complexity of the estate: Multiple properties, trusts, business interests, or cross‑border issues almost always lengthen both the probate and administration phases.
  • Disputes and claims: Family protection claims, challenges to the will, or creditor issues can significantly delay final distribution beyond the usual 6–12 months.

Mini FAQ: quick answers for NZ

  • Q: How long does it take just to “get probate”?
    A: Commonly 4–8 weeks from filing, but allow up to 12 weeks in busy periods, plus preparation time before filing.
  • Q: How long until I actually receive an inheritance?
    A: For a straightforward estate, somewhere around 6–12 months from the person’s death is typical, but it can be shorter or significantly longer depending on complexity and disputes.
  • Q: Is there a legal rule that you must wait 6 months after probate?
    A: Practice and risk‑management say yes (executors generally wait 6 months), but it is more about protecting against claims than a strict “no distribution allowed” law in every case.

Meta description (for SEO):
Wondering how long probate takes in NZ? Learn the typical New Zealand probate timeline from application to final distribution, the 6‑month rule, and key delays affecting estates.