Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Need to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order — from £95.
Probate currently takes around 5 weeks on average from application to receiving the grant (Q4 2025, MoJ). Digital applications without queries resolve in around 2 weeks; stopped or queried applications take around 15 weeks. Paper applications average 13 weeks — use the online service where possible. Complete probate from death to distribution takes 9–18 months. Respond promptly to queries to avoid delays.
Last Updated: 31 March 2026
Updated from the Family Court Statistics Quarterly: October to December 2025, published by the Ministry of Justice on 26 March 2026. This is the most recent official HMCTS data available.
As of Q4 2025, the national average wait time from submitting your probate application to receiving the grant is around 5 weeks (→ Stable from Q3 2025, and down from a peak of nearly 16 weeks in late 2023).
| Application Type | Average Wait Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Digital — no queries | ~2 weeks | 92% of applications are submitted digitally |
| Digital — stopped or queried | ~15 weeks | Responding promptly cuts weeks off this |
| Paper application | ~13 weeks | Use the online service where possible |
| Letters of administration (with will) | ~20 weeks | More complex process; executor cannot act |
| Letters of administration (no will) | ~9 weeks | Intestacy rules apply; administrator appointed |
| National average (all types) | ~5 weeks | → Stable vs Q3 2025; down from 16 weeks peak (2023) |
Source:
Family Court Statistics Quarterly: October to December 2025, Ministry of Justice, published 26 March 2026. Wait times reflect the period from submitting a complete application to receiving the grant of probate.
The figures above show grant processing time—how long HMCTS takes to issue the grant of probate after you submit your application. But this is just one part of the complete probate process. For a full overview of every stage from death to distribution, see our complete guide to probate in the UK.
This is the stage tracked in our weekly update table above.
Why the complete process takes longer:
Even after receiving the grant of probate, executors must collect assets, sell property, pay debts, and distribute inheritances. If the estate includes property that needs selling, add 3-6 months for the conveyancing process. Complex estates with multiple properties, overseas assets, or disputes between beneficiaries can take 18-24 months or longer.
Incomplete or incorrect applications add 3-4 weeks while HMCTS queries details. Common issues:
Probate registries experience seasonal variations:
The busiest months don't always mean longest waits—registries allocate extra staff during peak periods.
Processing times vary by registry location (see table above). Key factors:
You usually apply to the registry covering the area where the deceased lived, though online applications go to a central hub.
Estates requiring IHT forms take longer:
Whilst you can't control registry processing times, these steps ensure your application doesn't get delayed:
Saves: 3-4 weeks compared to applications with queries
If the registry contacts you with questions:
Saves: 2-3 weeks compared to delayed responses
Saves: Prevents application rejection and restarting the process
Online applications via GOV.UK are processed faster than paper applications:
Saves: 1-3 weeks compared to paper applications
If your situation allows flexibility:
Reality check: Most people can't control timing. Don't delay your application just to avoid busy periods—it's better to apply as soon as you're ready.
What NOT to do:
The probate registry you use depends on where the deceased lived (paper applications) or is allocated automatically (online applications). Here's why some registries are faster than others:
Generally no—but there are some options:
In practice, the difference between fastest and slowest registries is only 2-3 weeks. This rarely justifies trying to game the system, and HMCTS may reject applications to the "wrong" registry.
You can't access most assets until you receive the grant of probate, but there are important tasks you can progress during the 6-12 week wait. Understanding what you can and can't do is covered in detail in our full UK probate process guide:
Beneficiaries often underestimate how long probate takes. Be upfront from the start: "The grant will take 8-12 weeks, then we need to sell the property, pay debts, and finalise accounts. You should expect your inheritance in 9-12 months." Regular updates (monthly email) prevent repeated queries and relationship strain.
Most applications are processed within the timeframes shown above, but occasionally delays occur. Here's when and how to chase:
Be patient—HMCTS phone lines are often busy. Calling first thing in the morning (9am-9.30am) gives the best chance of getting through quickly.
Have these details ready when you contact HMCTS:
Realistically, chasing rarely speeds things up, but it can:
Be polite and understanding—registry staff are processing thousands of applications and working as quickly as they can.
Probate currently takes 6-12 weeks from submitting your application to receiving the grant. Simple estates average 6-8 weeks, complex estates 10-16 weeks. The complete probate process from death to distributing inheritances typically takes 9-18 months. Processing times vary by region: Scotland and Manchester are fastest (6-7 weeks), London slowest (9 weeks).
Edinburgh (Scotland) is currently the fastest probate registry at 6.5 weeks average, followed by Manchester at 6.8 weeks. However, you generally can't choose which registry processes your application—paper applications go to your local registry, online applications are allocated automatically. The difference between fastest and slowest registries is only 2-3 weeks.
Complete forms correctly first time with all supporting documents—errors add 3-4 weeks. Use the online application service (1-3 weeks faster than paper). Respond to HMCTS queries within 48 hours. Have all documents ready before applying: original will, death certificate, full estate valuation, and IHT forms if required. Avoid July-August if possible (slowest due to holidays).
Wait at least 8 weeks for simple estates or 12 weeks for complex estates before chasing HMCTS. Contact them if you've responded to a query and heard nothing for 3 weeks. Call 0300 303 0648 (9am-5pm weekdays) or email contactprobate@justice.gov.uk with your reference number, deceased's details, and application date. Chasing rarely speeds processing but confirms your application hasn't been lost.
Common delays: incomplete application (add 3-4 weeks), inheritance tax complications (IHT400 adds 4-8 weeks), estate disputes, missing beneficiaries, overseas assets, or applying during busy periods. London and Birmingham registries take longer (8-12 weeks) due to higher volumes and more complex estates. If it's been over 12 weeks with no update, contact HMCTS to check progress.
You can secure the property, continue valuations, notify organisations, prepare accounts, and communicate with beneficiaries. You cannot close bank accounts, sell property, sell shares, claim pensions, transfer ownership, or distribute inheritances until you receive the grant. Never distribute assets before receiving the grant—executors are personally liable if claims arise later.
Probate needed if estate has property or over £50K. Joint accounts exempt. Check bank thresholds: HSBC £50K, smaller banks £15K.
Complete checklist of documents needed for probate in the UK. From death certificates to asset valuations - everything executors need to gather for probate applications.
Find out if you need probate in the UK. Property always needs probate. Small estates under £5K-£50K may not (depends on bank). Joint assets exempt.
Should you do probate yourself or use a solicitor? Complete cost comparison: DIY £273-£800 vs Solicitor £1,500-£10,000+. Time, risk, and decision framework.
Ultimate step-by-step probate guide: 10-stage process, realistic timelines (6-18 months), complete costs (DIY vs solicitor), IHT forms, executor duties, common problems & solutions.
Ready to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order, and what to do when it gets complicated.
Get started →Free to start · from £95