How long does a caveat last?

Six months, renewable for further six-month periods for as long as the dispute continues.

Can an executor still act with a caveat in place?

An executor's authority comes from the will, but in practice nothing can be collected in without a grant, so the administration stalls.

Process · 6 min read

Caveats and disputes: what happens when probate is challenged

A caveat stops a grant being issued for six months. It is a pause button, entered by someone who wants time or wants to be heard, and it changes the nature of the estate immediately.

Written and reviewed by Ramani Gill, Founder & CEO — Solicitor, TEP, BA, LLM. Last reviewed 2026-08-19.

What a caveat is

A caveat is entered at the Probate Registry on form PA8A. It prevents any grant issuing for six months and can be renewed. It does not decide anything — it simply buys time for the dispute to be aired.

How a caveat ends

It expires after six months without renewal
The person who entered it withdraws it
The applicant issues a warning; the caveator must then enter an appearance setting out their interest
The court removes it after a hearing

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Common grounds for challenging a will

Lack of testamentary capacity at the time the will was made
Undue influence by someone who benefits
Improper execution — not signed or witnessed correctly
Lack of knowledge and approval of the contents
Forgery or fraud
A separate claim for reasonable financial provision under the 1975 Act, which does not challenge the will itself

A contested estate is not a self-help estate

Once a caveat is entered or a claim is threatened, get a contentious probate solicitor involved. Self-help tools cannot resolve a dispute, and steps taken without advice can weaken the estate's position.

GOV.UK — Form PA8A caveat

Common questions

How long does a caveat last?: Six months, renewable for further six-month periods for as long as the dispute continues.
Can an executor still act with a caveat in place?: An executor's authority comes from the will, but in practice nothing can be collected in without a grant, so the administration stalls.

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