However, thanks to the UK Government’s recent plan to restore public services, probate wait times have been drastically reduced.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about probate applications, including means of application, current process times and how to speed up the procedure.
You can ensure a timely probate application by following these steps:
Average processing times for grant of probate have improved during 2025, with applications now being granted in half the time. At the end of 2023, wait times averaged at 12 weeks; by the end of 2024, this had reduced to 8 weeks. Currently, If you make an application, you’re likely to receive confirmation in just over 4 weeks.
The Government has trained additional staff to expedite probate processes, and 8 out of 10 applications are now digital, with online cases being completed in 1 to 2 weeks on average – some even in under a week.
Errors in paperwork are one of the leading causes of delays in probate. Understandably, mistakes can be made when someone’s grieving, but it’s vital that any paperwork is double-checked for accuracy to ensure as timely an application as possible.
If inheritance tax is owed, the first payment should be made within 6 months of the death, allowing HMRC to issue a receipt to the Probate Registry, avoiding interest on the balance. The tax is often divided into two parts: tax owed on the property is typically payable in instalments, but any tax owed on the assets is payable in full.
A key challenge during the probate process is managing any variations in asset valuations that occur between the death and the eventual distribution to beneficiaries. Valuing assets can take several months, and fluctuations in market conditions, managing large or complex estates, the nature of the assets themselves or simply the amount of time that’s passed can make re-evaluations necessary.
Executors have a duty to administer the estate according to the will and to ensure that the beneficiaries receive what they’re entitled to. Probate delays can occur when an executor does not fulfil their obligations effectively. In this case, beneficiaries can take legal action to ensure that they receive what they are owed.
There are various ways you can speed up your probate application:
Apply online instead of by post: Using digital systems can reduce paperwork and processing times, and online probate applications can streamline the process. Once you’ve checked that you’re eligible to apply, and the estate has been valued, you can apply online here.
Submit complete documents from the start: Being thoroughly prepared with all the necessary documents and ensuring that they’re submitted to the correct authority can help ensure a timely probate application.
Pay inheritance tax promptly: Submitting the tax forms early, even while you’re still gathering certain estate details can help speed up the process. HM Revenue and Customs will charge you interest if payment isn’t made by the due date.
Track applications online: If you’ve applied online, sign into the probate service to track your application. Here you can identify at what stage your application is currently, as well as rectify any issues quickly and easily.
Prepare valuations and asset details early: Registering the death, valuing the estate and locating the will are early steps that can be taken to prevent common administrative delays in probate.
Resolve disputes quickly: Identifying potential disputes and addressing them proactively can prevent any necessary delays. Consider mediation or negotiation to resolve disputes and prevent lengthy legal battles.
The probate process can be complex and emotionally challenging. Enlisting the help of a probate solicitor to manage the application can ensure a smooth and easier process, taking the administrative burden off your shoulders.
QualitySolicitors offers expert legal support for grant of probate from start to finish. Our specialists offer guidance on legal requirements and timescales, manage paperwork, and ensure that the estate is administered correctly, mitigating the risk of any delays or issues further down the line.
Our expert solicitors will check documentation to ensure full legal compliance to protect your interests, directly communicate with the necessary agencies to track the progress of your application, and confront any issues efficiently, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on moving forward.
Contentious probate: legal disputes that present themselves during administering and distributing a person’s estate – can unfortunately occur, but QualitySolicitors can help manage any disagreements related to wills, estates and trusts. Often this kind of dispute will arise when the beneficiaries contest the validity of a will or wish to dispute the proposed distribution of assets. Our expert team can assist with issues including, but not limited to, capacity, creditor claims, fraud, inheritance, mutual wills, opposing a grant and presumed death.
Instructing a probate specialist in urgent cases allows for streamlining of the entire process, navigation of complex and legal tax issues, and effective management of disputes. Solicitors can access digital tools and solutions that may not be available or known to you, such as death notification services and legacy planning tools, and their expertise helps avoid delays and penalties, such as those related to contentious probate, unmodernised properties and intricate estate matters.
In summary, although it’s possible to make probate applications without the help of a solicitor, the intricacies of such an emotional and legally complex process can be better managed by an expert in this field. QualitySolicitors understands the sensitivity required in cases such as these, and our experts are here to offer you advice and practical support during this difficult time.
On average, probate applications are now processed in around 4 weeks. Online applications can often be completed in 1 to 2 weeks, and in some cases, under a week, depending on the estate’s complexity.
Processing times have improved due to digital systems and additional staff at the Probate Registry.
Yes. Ways to speed up probate include applying online, submitting complete and accurate documents, paying any inheritance tax promptly, and tracking your application online. Early preparation of valuations and asset details can also prevent delays.
You are not legally required to hire a solicitor, but using an expert can save time, prevent errors, and reduce stress. Solicitors ensure paperwork is correct, communicate with HMRC and the Probate Registry, and handle any disputes efficiently.
Common causes of probate delays include incomplete or incorrect paperwork, inheritance tax issues, asset valuation complexities, and executor inaction or disputes among beneficiaries. Early preparation and professional guidance can help avoid these delays.
You can apply online via the official [Gov.UK probate service](https://www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate). Ensure you meet eligibility criteria, have the estate valued, and submit all required documents to streamline the application.
Contentious probate refers to disputes over a will or estate distribution. This can include challenges to the validity of a will, disagreements among beneficiaries, or creditor claims. Solicitors can manage these disputes and help resolve issues efficiently.
To prevent probate disputes, identify potential conflicts early, communicate clearly with beneficiaries, and consider mediation or negotiation. Using a solicitor can also help address disputes proactively before they escalate to legal action.
