A 90-second guide to current probate timescales

27th May 2026

The UK’s digital probate system was first rolled out in January 2019 and was expanded to include legal professionals in October 2020 (it is now mandatory for nearly all professional applications). Pre-digitisation, we would expect to receive a Grant from the local Probate Registry in around three weeks.

Unfortunately, this upgrade coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, causing severe probate delays due to office closures, excess deaths, and a backlog of paper-based applications. The length of time that it took for a Grant to be issued (from the point the application was made) peaked at around 30 weeks in 2023.

Thankfully, in 2026, the issuing of a Grant has improved markedly, and now takes somewhere between two to four weeks for online applications, and approximately 15 weeks on average if a paper application has to be submitted (for reasons including obtaining probate for a foreign Will; proving a copy of a Will; or obtaining a Grant for an intestate estate where there are two or more people who can act – e.g. siblings).

Why delays happen

While processing times have generally improved, several common factors can push the timescales to 12 months or longer:

  • Inheritance Tax (IHT) wait times: If an Inheritance Tax form needs to be completed, an executor must wait at least 20 working days after submitting the IHT form to HMRC before applying for probate.
  • Incomplete forms: Simple errors in the application can ‘stop’ an online application, easily adding three to four weeks of delays.
  • Probate Registry backlogs: High volumes of paper applications continue to cause slower turnaround times.
  • Estate complexity: Having multiple properties, digital assets, overseas assets, or where there is a dispute about a Will can delay the issuing of a Grant by months or even, in some cases, years!

What can I do?

  • Avoid the dreaded stop queue: Double-check your application for missing documents or errors.
  • Locate paperwork: Begin gathering valuations for complex assets (such as antiques or foreign property) immediately, as these can require specialised experts and might take longer to arrange.
  • Pay Inheritance Tax promptly: Settle any Inheritance Tax within the six-month deadline to avoid interest and complications.
  • Communicate with beneficiaries: Keep any beneficiaries informed to prevent disputes or the placing of a caveat, which can halt the process entirely.

For complex estates or if you anticipate any disputes, we would strongly recommend that professional help is sought from a legal expert to ensure your application meets all legal requirements.

Our experienced Probate team can help with any questions regarding your application, or we can assist you in submitting the application, ensuring that it is as ‘water-tight’ as possible.

Looking to plan for the future and manage your assets?

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