The term probate is very commonly used in relation to will writing. Literally translated from Latin the word means “prove it” and a Grant of Probate is a legal document required from the courts in order to gain legal permission  to execute the will. Every will is different therefore the amount of time taken to grant probate can vary significantly. The more complex the will then the longer this process is likely to take. If someone dies “intestate” (with no valid will) then the grant of probate is known as a “grant of letters of administration” and executors are known as “administrators”.