The majority of estates are more complex than this, however. In the normal course it will take around 6 to 12 months for beneficiaries to start receiving their inheritance, but this varies depending on the complexity of the estate.
How long after probate can funds be distributed in Ireland? The executor or administrator has a duty to distribute funds and assets within a year of the date of death—this is known as the executor's year under Irish probate law.
After probate is granted, debts are assessed, and all owes are compensated, then the beneficiaries can start to receive their inheritance. The distribution itself can also take time, sometimes between 3 to 6 months, in fact.
Further, it is important to note that an Executor or Administrator has 12 months to deal with the distribution of an Estate from the date of death. If an Executor or Administrator fail in this regard a potential beneficiary may apply for the relevant Grant.
If they don't follow the will and a beneficiary feels that they have not received their full entitlement, they are entitled to challenge this. The executor may be held personally liable for any breaches during probate, even if these were genuine mistakes.
Options to take action. If you think an executor isn't being honest or is otherwise acting improperly, there are steps you can take. First, try to resolve the problem directly with them or their lawyer. If this doesn't work, you may want to seek legal advice.
You are obliged to distribute the assets as soon as possible after the death. You may be sued by the beneficiaries if you do not distribute the estate within a year. You have a duty to preserve the assets of the deceased until they are distributed and to protect the assets from devaluation.