Prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic , waiting times for obtaining Grant of Probate were usually under two weeks. However this has extended considerably, and HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) has been working with huge backlogs in processing probate applications ever since. Whilst the length if the delays are decreasing, executors are still subject to extended waits.
It is important to know how long you might have to wait, which is frustrating, but there's little you can do to shorten it apart from making sure the paperwork you submit contains no errors and is 100% complete so that it is not rejected.
It is also well worth considering how you plan to submit your application to the court. There are two methods, and one is very much faster than the other.
The current waiting/processing times (As of June 2023) are around:
Digital submission
Providing your documentation is correct and 100% complete, digital applications for Grant of Probate are currently taking a little over 10 weeks before the grant of probate is issued.
Postal submissions
Again, assuming you've got everything in order before submitting your application, postal applications can easily take 15 to 17 weeks before the grant of probate is issued.
Chasing up HMCTS
Supposing your digital application for Grant of Probate was around 11 weeks ago and you've heard nothing, how can you chase to find out what's going on? The short answer is 'you can't!' at least not for another five weeks, HMCTS will not consider investigating any application until after 16 weeks have elapsed without any news or updates.
To find out more about what you need to do before you apply for a Grant of Probate please go to the free information sheet on our website which provides a step-by-step schedule to guide you through the various stages that need to be dealt with.
For more general information and help please read through the numerous pages and articles on our website, or call or email us and we will be pleased to work through things with you.
