The latest figures from HM Courts & Tribunals Service indicate that probate applications in England and Wales are taking approximately five weeks to process on average, although thousands of cases continue to experience delays because of missing documents and incomplete information.
Probate Processing Times Average Five Weeks
An October 2026 update published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) provides new information about the performance of HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
According to the update, 29,303 probate applications were received during July 2026, while 28,948 grants were issued.
The average waiting time between submitting an application and receiving a grant was approximately five weeks.
HMCTS reported that demand remained high but broadly stable compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
However, the overall average does not mean every application will be completed within five weeks.
Thousands of Applications Remain Delayed
The update revealed that approximately 24,000 open applications had been stopped while HMCTS awaited additional information or evidence.
The overall backlog of open cases stood at approximately 46,000 at the end of July 2026.
Missing information relating to marriage and divorce was identified as one significant cause of stopped applications.
HMCTS is introducing additional questions into its online application system to help reduce these problems.
Applications involving lost wills, foreign domicile or complex legal circumstances may also require additional consideration.
What Is Probate and Why Is It Necessary?
Probate is the legal process through which an authorised person obtains the necessary authority to administer a deceased person's estate.
Where a valid will exists, the appointed executors may need to apply for a grant of probate.
Where someone dies without a valid will, an eligible person may instead apply for letters of administration.
The appropriate procedure depends on the circumstances of the estate.
A grant may be required before certain assets can be collected, transferred or distributed.
How Can Families Avoid Common Delays?
Applicants should ensure that the information supplied is accurate and consistent with supporting documents.
Details concerning the deceased person's identity, marital history, estate and testamentary arrangements should be checked carefully.
Digital applications that are complete and do not require further information generally progress faster than applications requiring additional evidence.
Professional advice may be particularly useful where estates involve overseas assets, missing wills or disputes between beneficiaries.
How Miya Solicitors Can Help
Miya Solicitors can provide guidance on probate applications, estate administration and related inheritance matters.
The latest HMCTS figures demonstrate that careful preparation remains essential to reducing avoidable delays during an already difficult time for bereaved families.
Source: ICAEW – HMCTS Update for Probate Firms: October 2026, 22 October 2026
Source link: https://www.icaew.com/regulation/regulatory-news/regulatory-news-2026-10/hmcts-update-for-probate-firms-october-2026
