Probate waiting times

Last reviewed 18 August 2026

How long the wait? Two clocks run — the grant, then the wider administration — and knowing the current pace helps you plan the rest.

Current timescales

As at the date of this review, a grant of probate takes roughly 4–8 weeks for online applications and 8–16 weeks by post; the whole administration runs 6–12 months for a straightforward estate, up to 18 for a complex one. These figures move with HMCTS workload — check the official service before relying on them.

What causes delay

Application errors are the commonest cause, followed by inheritance-tax reporting and missing valuations. Applying online and ordering copies up front both shorten the tail.

Sources. HM Courts & Tribunals Service published probate timescales (figures dated at review).