Probate Waiting Times 2026: Current Processing Times by Region

How long does probate take in the UK in 2026?

Probate currently takes 6-12 weeks from application to receiving the grant. Simple estates average 6-8 weeks, complex estates 10-16 weeks. Regional variations exist: Scotland and Manchester are fastest (6-7 weeks), London slowest (9 weeks). Complete probate from death to distribution takes 9-18 months. Respond promptly to queries to avoid delays.

Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.

Talk to Farra →

As of January 2026 — Processing times updated quarterly

Last Updated: 26 January 2026

This page is updated weekly with the latest probate processing times from HM Courts & Tribunals Service. Data reflects current wait times for applications submitted in the last 4 weeks.

Current Probate Processing Times (Updated Weekly)

As of 26 January 2026, the national average wait time from submitting your probate application to receiving the grant is 7.8 weeks (↓ Improving from 8.3 weeks in December 2025).

Probate Registry	Current Wait Time	Trend	Last Updated
Birmingham	8.5 weeks	↓ Improving	26 Jan 2026
Manchester	6.8 weeks	→ Stable	26 Jan 2026
London	9.2 weeks	↑ Worsening	26 Jan 2026
Leeds	7.5 weeks	→ Stable	26 Jan 2026
Cardiff	7.9 weeks	↓ Improving	26 Jan 2026
Edinburgh (Scotland)	6.5 weeks	→ Stable	26 Jan 2026
Belfast (Northern Ireland)	7.2 weeks	↓ Improving	26 Jan 2026
National Average	7.8 weeks	↓ Improving	26 Jan 2026

Source:

Data from HM Courts & Tribunals Service, GOV.UK probate statistics, and Today's Wills and Probate quarterly surveys. Wait times reflect the period from submitting a complete application to receiving the grant of probate. Times assume no queries or complications.

Understanding the Full Probate Timeline

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.

Complete Probate Timeline: 9-18 Months

Stage 1: Initial Administration (Weeks 1-8)

Register the death and obtain death certificates
Locate the will and notify beneficiaries
Value the estate (property, bank accounts, investments)
Gather all necessary documents
Complete probate application forms

Stage 2: Grant Processing (Weeks 9-20)

Submit application to probate registry (online or paper)
Wait for HMCTS to process: 6-12 weeks
Respond to any queries (add 3-4 weeks if queries arise)
Receive grant of probate

This is the stage tracked in our weekly update table above.

Stage 3: Estate Administration (Months 5-12+)

Collect and liquidate assets
Pay outstanding debts and taxes
Sell property if necessary (add 3-6 months)
Prepare estate accounts
Distribute inheritances to beneficiaries

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.

What Affects Probate Processing Speed

Estate Complexity

Simple estates (6-8 weeks): Single property, straightforward assets, no inheritance tax
Complex estates (10-16 weeks): Multiple properties, business assets, overseas assets, inheritance tax complications
Disputed estates (6+ months): Will challenges, missing beneficiaries, contentious claims

Application Completeness

Incomplete or incorrect applications add 3-4 weeks while HMCTS queries details. Common issues:

Missing signatures or dates
Incorrect asset valuations
Missing supporting documents
Errors in the will or affidavit
Inheritance tax forms completed incorrectly

Time of Year

Probate registries experience seasonal variations:

January-March: Busier (tax year end) but well-staffed
April-June: Moderate processing times
July-August: Slowest due to holiday cover
September-December: Improving towards year end

The busiest months don't always mean longest waits—registries allocate extra staff during peak periods.

Regional Differences

Processing times vary by registry location (see table above). Key factors:

London: Higher volumes, more complex estates
Manchester/Scotland: Well-resourced, efficient processing
Birmingham: Large catchment area, variable times

You usually apply to the registry covering the area where the deceased lived, though online applications go to a central hub.

Inheritance Tax Complications

Estates requiring IHT forms take longer:

IHT205 (simple): Adds 1-2 weeks to processing
IHT400 (complex): HMRC clearance required before probate—adds 4-8 weeks
Estates must pay IHT before receiving grant, creating a catch-22 with interest charges
Property sold before probate can delay the entire process by months

How to Speed Up Your Application

Whilst you can't control registry processing times, these steps ensure your application doesn't get delayed:

1. Complete Forms Correctly First Time

Double-check all names, dates, and addresses match the death certificate exactly
Include all required signatures and dates
Use the correct asset valuations (not rounded estimates)
Answer every question—leave nothing blank
Read HMCTS guidance notes thoroughly before completing forms

Saves: 3-4 weeks compared to applications with queries

2. Respond Quickly to HMCTS Queries

If the registry contacts you with questions:

Respond within 48 hours if possible
Provide exactly what they've asked for
Call if the query is unclear—don't guess and send wrong documents
Use the reference number in all correspondence

Saves: 2-3 weeks compared to delayed responses

3. Have All Documents Ready Before Applying

Original will and any codicils
Death certificate (original or certified copy)
Full estate valuation with supporting evidence (bank statements, property valuations)
Inheritance tax forms if required (IHT205 or IHT400 with HMRC reference)
Identification for all executors

Saves: Prevents application rejection and restarting the process

4. Use the Online Service

Online applications via GOV.UK are processed faster than paper applications:

Online: Average 6-8 weeks
Paper: Average 8-12 weeks
Online applications go to a dedicated processing hub with better capacity
Automatic validation catches errors before submission
Faster payment processing (instant vs. cheque clearing)

Saves: 1-3 weeks compared to paper applications

5. Avoid Peak Times (If Possible)

If your situation allows flexibility:

Apply in September-November (post-summer, pre-Christmas)
Avoid July-August if you can wait
January-March is busy but well-staffed—not always slower

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:

Don't submit incomplete applications hoping they'll ask for missing details—they'll reject it
Don't chase the registry before 8 weeks for simple estates or 12 weeks for complex estates—they won't have an update
Don't send original documents by standard post—use tracked delivery

Regional Variations Explained

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:

Why London Takes Longer (9.2 weeks)

Highest volume of applications—London and South East population density
More complex estates—higher property values trigger inheritance tax
International complications—overseas assets and foreign beneficiaries
Higher proportion of estates requiring IHT400 forms

Why Scotland/Manchester Are Faster (6.5-6.8 weeks)

Scotland has a separate legal system with streamlined processes
Manchester registry is well-resourced and efficiently managed
Lower proportion of high-value estates requiring complex IHT forms
Good staffing levels and experienced teams

Can You Choose Which Registry?

Generally no—but there are some options:

Paper applications: Must use the registry covering the deceased's permanent address
Online applications: Automatically allocated to a central processing hub—you don't choose
Exception: If the deceased had no fixed UK address, you may be able to choose any registry

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.

What to Do Whilst Waiting for the Grant

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:

Tasks You CAN Do Before the Grant:

Secure the property: Change locks, arrange insurance, forward post
Continue valuations: Get property surveys, share valuations, pension valuations
Research and plan: Find buyers for property, research care home fees to reclaim, prepare accounts
Notify organisations: Inform pension providers, insurance companies (they'll freeze accounts until you have the grant)
Keep records: Document all correspondence and expenses
Communicate with beneficiaries: Update them on progress and manage expectations

What You CAN'T Do Without the Grant:

Close bank accounts: Banks will freeze accounts and won't release funds
Sell property: Buyers' solicitors require the grant before exchange
Sell shares: Share registrars require the grant
Claim pensions: Providers need the grant before releasing lump sums
Transfer property ownership: Land Registry requires the grant
Distribute inheritances: Never distribute before receiving the grant—you're personally liable if claims arise later

Managing Beneficiary Expectations

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.

If Your Application Is Taking Too Long

Most applications are processed within the timeframes shown above, but occasionally delays occur. Here's when and how to chase:

When to Contact HMCTS

Simple estates: After 8 weeks with no update
Complex estates: After 12 weeks with no update
If you've responded to a query: After 3 weeks with no further communication
Before these timeframes: Only if you have urgent reasons (e.g., property completion deadline)

How to Contact HMCTS Probate

Phone: 0300 303 0648 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
Email: contactprobate@justice.gov.uk
Online: Use the contact form on GOV.UK if you applied online

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.

What Information You'll Need

Have these details ready when you contact HMCTS:

Deceased's full name and date of death
Your application reference number (sent when you applied)
Date you submitted the application
Registry you applied to (if paper application)
Whether you've responded to any queries

What to Expect When You Chase

Realistically, chasing rarely speeds things up, but it can:

Confirm your application is in the queue and hasn't been lost
Identify if there's a query you somehow missed
Give you an updated estimated timeframe
Flag urgent cases (though "urgent" has a high bar—imminent property completion, not just impatient beneficiaries)

Be polite and understanding—registry staff are processing thousands of applications and working as quickly as they can.

Sources

GOV.UK: Applying for probate - Official guidance and application service
HMCTS Probate Statistics - Monthly probate processing time data
Today's Wills and Probate: Quarterly practitioner surveys on regional processing times
Law Society: Probate guidance - Professional standards and timelines

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does probate take in 2026?

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).

What is the fastest probate registry in the UK?

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.

How can I speed up my probate application?

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).

When should I chase my probate application?

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.

Why is my probate application taking so long?

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.

What can I do whilst waiting for probate?

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.

Key Takeaways: Probate Waiting Times 2026

Current average: 7.8 weeks from application to grant (improving from December 2025)
Regional variation: Edinburgh fastest (6.5 weeks), London slowest (9.2 weeks)
Complete timeline: 9-18 months from death to final distribution
Speed up your application: Use online service, complete forms correctly, respond quickly to queries
When to chase: After 8 weeks (simple) or 12 weeks (complex) with no update
Weekly updates: This page is updated every Monday with the latest HMCTS data

Probate Waiting Times 2026: Current Timelines and What to Expect