Probate, in brief.
News and updates for solicitors.
Current HMCTS waiting times, plain-English guides your clients can use, and quarterly updates on IHT thresholds and probate practice.
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Farra Probate Digest
Q1 2026
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Probate Q4 2025: waiting times fall, IHT freeze confirmed, three new client guides
Here's what changed in probate practice this quarter.
- 1.
National average wait falls to ~5 weeks — down from 16 weeks at 2023 peak
- 2.
IHT nil rate band frozen at £325,000 until 2031 — RNRB unchanged at £175,000
- 3.
New guide: how to apply for probate — shareable with clients before your first meeting
Prepared quarterly by the Farra team · Unsubscribe any time
Industry updates
Probate news and updates
Key changes from HMCTS, HMRC, and HM Treasury affecting probate practice. Updated when the data changes.
PA1P and PA1A forms updated to v4 — old versions being withdrawn
New versions of both probate application forms are being introduced. A single combined form replaces separate professional and citizen versions. Firms should download the latest version immediately.
Read full updateDigital probate applications reach 92% of all submissions in Q4 2025
Family Court Statistics Quarterly confirms continued shift to digital. Paper applications now represent fewer than 1 in 12 submissions nationally.
Read full updateIHT nil rate band freeze extended to 2031
Spring Statement 2026 confirmed the nil rate band remains frozen at £325,000 until April 2031. RNRB also held at £175,000. The freeze will have lasted 22 years by the time it lifts.
Read full updateUpdated quarterly
Current probate waiting times
Updated quarterly from official HMCTS statistics. Use these figures to set realistic client expectations.
National average
5 weeks
All application types (approx.)
Digital — no queries
2 weeks
92% of applications (approx.)
Digital — queried
15 weeks
Respond promptly to minimise (approx.)
Trend since 2023
↓ 69%
Peak 16 wks → now ~5 wks
| Application type | Average wait | 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; administrator must be appointed |
| Letters of administration (no will) | ~9 weeks | Intestacy rules apply |
| National average (all types) | ~5 weeks | Stable vs Q3 2025; down from 16-week peak in 2023 |
Source: Family Court Statistics Quarterly: October to December 2025, Ministry of Justice, published 26 March 2026. Last updated: March 2026.
View full breakdown→Resources
Guides you can give to your clients
Free, plain-English guides covering the most common questions bereaved clients bring to their first meeting.
How to apply for probate
Step-by-step walkthrough of the PA1P application, HMCTS fees, and what to expect after submission.
What documents do you need for probate?
Full checklist of documents required to apply — original will, death certificate, asset valuations, ID, and Land Registry details.
How many death certificates do you need?
How many certified copies to order, and which organisations require originals versus certified copies.
Notifying banks after a death
How to notify major UK banks and building societies, with free letter templates included.
Inheritance tax calculator
Free IHT calculator covering nil rate band, residence nil rate band, and spouse exemption.
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HMCTS data, IHT updates, and practice notes. Free.