Grant gridlock: Application update
📢 Grant of probate application update – October 2025
At the recent National Probate Users Group update, HMCTS Probate acknowledged the need to improve turnaround times for paper grant applications. It is important for paper applications to be correct the first time as stopped applications (those paused due to queries raised by HMCTS Probate or errors) are taking 21 weeks or more to issue based on recent figures released by HMCTS Probate.
The new escalation email address is [email protected] and should be used where a grant application appears to be stuck. Additionally, pre-lodgement enquiries and requests for documents to be settled by the Probate Registrar can also be made via email with a response expected within 10 days.
Encouragingly, HMCTS Probate has made notable progress with online applications, with most grants now being issued within 5 weeks, which is a significant improvement!
However, grant applications for foreign domiciliaries remain a pinch point as these can only be made on paper. It is therefore essential to instruct specialists who understand the legal basis upon which the application is being made and the documentation that needs to be filed.
At Forsters, our team of specialist solicitors are highly experienced in extracting grants for individuals who die domiciled outside the UK, and in administering estates that span multiple jurisdictions.
Please contact Emma Jones at [email protected] if you would like more information.
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