The best way to speed up the probate process is to be thoroughly prepared with all the necessary documents and to submit them to the correct authority without delay. 

Taking early steps, such as registering the death, locating the will and valuing the estate, can also prevent common administrative hold-ups.

In the UK, probate can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year. On average, the process lasts between 9 and 12 months, but delays are becoming more frequent.

According to official figures, over 60 percent of probate applications in England and Wales now take longer than expected due to errors, missing information or legal complications.

What causes delays in Probate?

Probate is often slowed down by incomplete paperwork or missing details. If the executor submits an application with errors, even small ones, HMRC or the Probate Registry may send it back for clarification, adding weeks to the timeline.

Other common causes of delay include family disputes, complications with foreign assets or difficulties in valuing property and investments. In some estates, inheritance tax must also be calculated and paid before probate can proceed, which takes additional time if funds are not readily available.

If your probate process is taking longer than expected and you need access to capital to pay for legal fees, renovate the deceased’s property or other important expenses, Provira can help. We offer probate advance loans, giving you access to 50% of your overall inheritance upfront which can be used for immediate use.

Can you apply for Probate yourself?

Yes, executors can apply for probate without a solicitor. This is quicker in simple cases, especially if there are few beneficiaries and the estate is straightforward. Online applications are available through the government website, and many people complete them successfully without legal help.

However, a DIY approach is only advisable if you are confident handling financial and legal paperwork. Mistakes can cause delays or even legal issues later, so professional advice is still a good idea if you are unsure.

How can a solicitor help speed up Probate?

Using a solicitor can often make the probate process smoother and faster. They understand the paperwork and know exactly what information to provide, reducing the chance of the application being rejected or delayed.

Solicitors can also handle communication with HMRC and the Probate Registry, chase responses and deal with any complications more efficiently than someone unfamiliar with the process. In cases involving inheritance tax, having expert input can significantly cut down the back-and-forth.

What documents should You prepare in advance for Probate?

Being organised is key to speeding up probate. You will need the original will and death certificate, along with a full breakdown of the deceased’s assets and debts. This includes property, bank accounts, pensions, shares and any outstanding loans or credit.

Gathering this information before applying will save a lot of time. Executors should also ensure they have contact details for all beneficiaries and are ready to provide identification when requested.

How does Inheritance tax affect the timing of Probate?

If inheritance tax is due, part or all of it must be paid before probate can be granted. This often delays the process, especially when the estate has limited liquid funds. HMRC must also process the IHT forms before the Probate Registry can issue the grant — and that can take several weeks on its own.

To speed things up, try to submit the inheritance tax forms early, even while you are still gathering some of the finer estate details. You can also ask HMRC to accept part payment while you finalise the rest of the values.

Can Probate be expedited in urgent situations?

In rare cases, probate can be fast-tracked if there is an urgent financial or legal need. For example, if a property sale is at risk of falling through or if a dependent needs immediate access to funds, it may be possible to request priority processing.

These requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. You will need to provide evidence of urgency and clearly explain the consequences of delay. However, there is no guarantee the request will be granted.

Are there any common mistakes that slows Probate down?

Yes, and most of them are avoidable! One of the biggest mistakes is failing to include the original will. Others include:

• Incorrect spellings of names
• Missing financial information
• Not sending the correct fee. 

These errors may seem small but often result in long delays as the Probate Registry requests corrections. Being meticulous with the application and double-checking everything before submission can prevent these frustrating setbacks. If in doubt, getting a professional to review your paperwork before submission can be a worthwhile step.

What else can you do to help Probate run smoothly?

Communication plays a big role in speeding up the process. Keeping beneficiaries informed and managing expectations helps reduce the chances of disputes, one of the most serious causes of delay. It is also important to respond promptly to any queries from HMRC or the Probate Registry to keep everything moving.

Staying organised, documenting every step and tracking key deadlines will also help executors stay in control of the process and avoid missing critical stages.

Speeding up the probate process is not always possible, but with the right preparation and support, you can avoid many of the common delays. From gathering documents early to getting professional advice when needed, each small step can make a big difference. 

While some factors will always be out of your control, being thorough, organised and proactive is the most reliable way to keep probate on track and reduce stress for everyone involved.