How Long Is The Probate Process Currently Taking?

Dealing with the death of someone close to you is always a difficult time, and the probate process is no exception. People are naturally eager to complete probate as smoothly and quickly as possible and are often dismayed to learn that ongoing delays at the Probate Registry may mean the process is more drawn out than they were anticipating.

Obtaining a grant of probate is a key element in the process, as it is usually needed in order to access accounts and distribute assets. Unfortunately, data from HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) in September 2023 shows that probate delays are continuing to grow.

The average total time taken from submission to grant issue for all probate applications, including both digital and paper, was 14 weeks for applications submitted in the quarter to June 2023, and this represents the biggest delay since 2019.