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How Long Does a Succession Order Take?
Full Guide 2026

By Adv. Liron Yitzhak Elmaliach | Updated: 2026 | Reading time: approx. 6 minutes

After a bereavement, families often need to deal urgently with the estate — bank accounts, property, pension funds. The first question is: how long will a Succession Order (Tzav Yerusha) or Probate Order (Tzav Kiyum Tzava) take?

The short answer: for a simple, uncontested case — 6 to 12 weeks. For a complex or contested case — months to years. The details matter.

The 5-Stage Process and Timeline

1
Document gathering1–2 weeks

Collecting the death certificate, identity documents of the deceased and heirs, family status records, and will (if applicable). Obtaining missing documents — particularly old family records — can take longer.

2
Filing the application1–3 days

A lawyer files the application at the Registrar for Inheritance Affairs. The application includes all heirs' details and the required documents.

3
Objection period14 days

The Registrar publishes a notice. Any interested party can file an objection within 14 days. In practice, there is also processing time at the Registrar's office — typically 3–5 weeks from filing to the start of the objection period.

4
Processing and decision2–4 weeks

If no objection is filed, the Registrar processes the file and issues the order. Backlogs at the Registrar's office can extend this.

5
Receiving and using the order1 week

The order arrives by mail. Certified copies are then presented to banks and the Land Registry to begin asset transfers.

What Causes Delays

An objection is filed — This is the biggest delay factor. Once an objection is filed, the case transfers to Family Court. A court hearing may not be scheduled for months, and if the dispute is complex, proceedings can take 1–3 years.
Missing documents — If the deceased was born abroad, if family status records are incomplete, or if there are questions about the legal marriage (particularly relevant for complex family situations), obtaining the necessary documentation takes time.
Unknown heirs — If there is reason to believe additional heirs exist — children from a previous relationship, distant relatives — the process can be delayed while a broader search is conducted.
Registrar backlog — Like all government bodies, the Registrar for Inheritance Affairs has periods of higher workload. In busy periods, processing can take longer than the times quoted above.

What You Can Do While Waiting

Compile a full asset inventory — Use the waiting period to locate all the deceased's assets: all bank accounts, pension funds, insurance policies, real estate, vehicles. This prevents the need for a supplementary application later.
Pay urgent expenses — Courts generally permit payment of urgent estate expenses (mortgage, utilities, ongoing costs) even before an order is issued, provided the payment is clearly for the estate's benefit.
Apply for an interim order in urgent cases — If there is a time-sensitive transaction (a property buyer is waiting, a business decision needs to be made), a lawyer can apply for an urgent interim order from the court.

Need to obtain a Succession Order quickly?

Free initial consultation — we will assess the complexity of your case and provide a realistic timeline.

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