National average probate wait falls to ~5 weeks

HMCTS published updated probate waiting time data in January 2026 showing the national average processing time has fallen to approximately 5 weeks for all application types — a significant improvement on the 16-week peak recorded during the post-pandemic backlog in 2022–23.

The improvement is driven by two factors: the continued shift to digital applications (now 92% of all submissions) and HMCTS investment in the Probate Registry's processing capacity. Digital applications with no queries are now typically processed in around 2 weeks. Applications that attract a query from HMCTS take considerably longer — around 15 weeks — making prompt response to requisitions critical.

Paper applications and letters of administration (both with and without a will) remain slower. Letters of administration without a will can take up to 9 weeks nationally, reflecting the additional complexity of intestacy cases and the requirement for HMCTS to verify entitlement.

For solicitors managing client expectations, the headline figure of 5 weeks should be qualified: that figure is a mean across all application types and includes the fast-tracked digital submissions that skew the average downward. Clients with more complex estates — multiple properties, business interests, or foreign assets — should be advised to allow 8–12 weeks from submission to grant.