The probate service is under pressure due to the number of enquiries checking on the progress of cases and asking general questions. They had been in the middle of a restructuring when the pandemic hit, potentially adding to the current pressure on them.
The probate service state that it is not possible to chase an application until eight weeks have passed since the application was submitted. They are also not currently able to deal with enquiries about applications prior to their submission, and suggest that applications are submitted first and any queries raised after.
On their last update the probate service website stated that once you have submitted your application, it should take between three and four weeks to receive a Grant. However it also goes on to say that at the moment due to delays Grants can take up to three months to issue.
In view of the waiting times, and the fact that you cannot contact the probate service, this means that if an application is submitted incorrectly, and a query is raised, then the matter could be delayed even further.
The pressure on the probate service makes it even more important to make sure the application is correct in the first place to avoid any delays. So if you need any help with a probate application, or would like any questions answered about the process, or probate in general, then please contact our specialist team.
