7 April 2026
New analysis of Freedom of Information (FoI) data obtained from the Ministry of Justice by Quilter, the financial adviser and pension provider, shows that the number of probate cases taking between 21 and 23 months to be granted has risen by 131% since 2020/21.
With probate delays potentially leaving families waiting months or even years to access estates, Quilter is warning that the situation is likely to worsen further when pensions are brought into the scope of inheritance tax (IHT) from April 2027, and is urging people to take action now to reduce complexity for those left behind.
Length of time taken to grant probate (tax year totals)
|
Tax year
|
Over 6 months
|
Over 9 months
|
Over a year
|
Over 18 months
|
Between 21–23 months
|
|
2020/21
|
3,955
|
1,987
|
737
|
170
|
88
|
|
2021/22
|
5,138
|
2,605
|
872
|
204
|
91
|
|
2022/23
|
5,794
|
2,914
|
970
|
222
|
109
|
|
2023/24
|
10,811
|
4,865
|
1,619
|
323
|
162
|
|
2024/25
|
9,480
|
5,344
|
2,040
|
433
|
203
|
|
% change (2020/21–2024/25)
|
140%
|
169%
|
177%
|
155%
|
131%
|
According to government guidance, a grant of probate should typically be issued within 16 weeks of submitting an application. However, the data shows a growing proportion of estates waiting well beyond this timeframe, with a sharp rise in cases taking more than a year and a notable increase in those waiting nearly two years.
In 2024/25 alone, around one in eight estates took longer than six months to clear probate, increasing the risk of interest accruing on inheritance tax where it was due.
Delays in probate can prevent executors from accessing bank accounts, selling property or managing investments, leaving estates frozen at a time when families may already be under financial and emotional strain. As delays lengthen, the cost to families can also rise. Where inheritance tax is due, HMRC can charge interest on unpaid tax from six months after death, meaning prolonged probate can translate into higher tax bills even where delays are outside the family’s control.
Ian Futcher, financial planner at Quilter:
“A growing number of families are now waiting well over a year, and in some cases nearly two years, for probate to be granted. That creates real stress for executors and beneficiaries alike.
“With pensions set to become part of the taxable estate from April 2027, there is a real risk that these delays become even more entrenched. Executors may need to track down information across multiple pension schemes, confirm valuations and deal with additional tax reporting, all while the clock is ticking on inheritance tax.
“One of the most effective ways to reduce the burden on executors is to treat the start of the new tax year as a time to do a financial MOT. Spring‑cleaning your finances while you’re alive can significantly ease delays later on. That might include consolidating old pensions or ISAs, keeping a clear record of accounts and providers, ensuring beneficiary nominations are up to date, and putting powers of attorney in place.
“Given how stretched the probate system already is, anything people can do now to reduce complexity will help their executors navigate the process more quickly, avoid unnecessary costs and reduce stress at an already difficult time.”
