Why Probate Applications Get Delayed (and How to Reduce the Risk)
- Probate & Estate Support Hub
- Jan 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 25
One of the most frustrating parts of probate is not knowing why things are taking so long. Many people submit an application expecting steady progress, only to find weeks or months pass with little clarity.
Delays can feel personal — as if something has gone wrong — when in reality they are extremely common. I don’t offer legal advice, but I can help you understand what typically causes probate delays, where people often get caught out, and how delays are usually reduced in practice.
If you are navigating probate yourself, our in depth guides Probate, Done Properly and Executor Mistakes and Risks have been designed not only walk you through the process but also make you aware of common mistakes and how to avoid them.
For more general information on applying for probate, please visit our dedicated page Applying for Probate.
At a glance
Most probate delays are caused by missing or unclear information
Property and valuations are common sticking points
Queries from the Probate Registry are normal, not a sign of failure
Rushing the application often causes more delay, not less
Clear preparation usually matters more than speed
The most common causes of probate delays
In my experience, delays usually come from a small number of predictable issues. These don’t mean anyone has done something “wrong” — they’re simply part of how the process works.
To read about how long the probate and estate administration process takes, please view How Long Does Probate Take?
Incomplete or inconsistent information
Applications often slow down when:
asset values don’t align across documents
information is missing or unclear
details need clarifying after submission
Even small inconsistencies can trigger follow-up questions, which pause progress until they’re resolved.
Property-related issues
Property is one of the biggest causes of delay, especially where:
ownership isn’t clear
valuations need revisiting
there are questions about timing or authority
This is why estates involving property often take longer than people expect, even when everything else is straightforward.
Valuations that later need correcting
Valuations are usually gathered early, but problems arise when:
estimates are rushed
figures change later
different values are used for different purposes
Corrections after submission are one of the most common reasons applications stall.
This is particularly relevant to applications that require the form IHT400 to be sent to HMRC.
Registry queries after submission
Many people are surprised to receive questions after they’ve applied. In reality, this is normal.
Queries are often raised to:
clarify information
confirm details
resolve inconsistencies
They don’t mean the application has failed — but they do pause the process until answered.
If the query is straightforward, it is usually dealt with by the Court quickly.
If the query is relating to something more significant, for example the validity of a will, this is commonly sent internally to the Registrar, and this can add weeks or months to the process.
Trying to apply too early
A pattern I see regularly is people applying before they’re fully ready, often because they feel under pressure to “get probate submitted”.
In practice, this can lead to:
follow-up questions
amendments
longer overall timescales
Taking time to prepare often shortens the process overall.
Common misconceptions about probate delays
“Delays mean something has gone wrong.”
Delays are common and usually fixable.
“If I submit quickly, it will be processed quickly.”
Speed of submission doesn’t guarantee speed of outcome.
“Queries mean rejection.”
Queries are part of the normal process.
“Nothing can be done once it’s submitted.”
Clear responses to queries often move things forward.
How people usually reduce the risk of delays
From what I’ve seen, applications tend to move more smoothly when people:
gather accurate information upfront
check consistency across documents
understand whether probate is actually required
avoid rushing under pressure
Clarity at the start usually saves time later.
Alternatively, using a probate professional, such as a probate solicitor, can help to avoid common errors made with DIY applications.
When choosing a solicitor, one that specialises in probate can give further confidence of the application proceeding without delay (albeit this is not guaranteed as ultimately they too are reliant on HMRC and the Probate Registry).
What usually happens next
If an application is delayed, the next step is usually to:
identify what’s holding it up
respond clearly to any queries
confirm whether further information is needed
Once the underlying issue is resolved, progress often resumes.
Further Reading & Useful Links
Article: How Long Does Probate Take?
Guide: Probate, Done Properly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my probate application taking so long?
Most delays are caused by missing information, unclear valuations, property issues, or follow-up queries from the Probate Registry.
Does having property slow probate down?
Often, yes. Property ownership and valuation issues are one of the most common causes of delay.
Is it normal to get questions after submitting probate?
Yes. Registry queries are common and don’t mean the application has failed.
Can correcting information cause delays?
Yes. Amendments or corrections after submission often pause progress until they’re resolved.
Does applying early reduce delays?
Not always. Applying before information is clear can actually increase delays.