The number of probate cases being delayed by more than a year has soared 177% since 2020/21.
The number of cases delayed by more than 12 months has climbed from 737 to 2,040.
The number of probate cases taking between almost two years to be granted has risen by 131% in the same period.
In 2020/2121, some 88 cases took between 21 to 23 months to be granted. Last year the figure climbed to 203.
The figures have been revealed through FOI data obtained from the Ministry of Justice by wealth manager Quilter.
The firm has warned that the situation is likely to get worse when pensions are brought into the scope of IHT from April 2027.
The firm said that according to government guidance, a grant of probate should typically be issued within 16 weeks of submitting an application. However, its 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.
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% |
Source: Quilter/Ministry of Justice
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 IHT 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, said: “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.”