Delayed Probate Application and New Escalation Request Form

HMCTS has now formalised a clear, two‑stage process for escalating delayed probate applications in England & Wales. 

1. What HMCTS Announced

HM Courts & Tribunals Service introduced a new probate escalation process for applications where no response has been received after 12 weeks. The aim is to:

• improve visibility of stalled cases,

• ensure delayed applications are reviewed more effectively, and

• replace the previous professional‑user escalation email route.

2. When You Can Escalate a Probate Application

HMCTS now requires applicants to follow two steps before submitting an escalation form:

Step 1 — Request a Case Progression Update

You must first email: contactprobate@justice.gov.uk Then wait at least 10 working days for a response.

Step 2 — Submit an Escalation Request Form

You may submit the form only if:

• 12 weeks have passed since the probate application was made; or

• 6 weeks have passed since you provided additional information requested by HMCTS.

This replaces the old professional escalation email (ProbateMT@justice.gov.uk), which now redirects practitioners to the new form.

3. Why the New Process Exists

Practitioners have continued to report delays in probate applications — especially paper applications and cases involving queries. HMCTS acknowledges that some applications exceed published timeframes and says the new escalation route will:

• provide a clearer, standardised mechanism for raising overdue cases,

• ensure cases already queried receive further investigation, and

• help HMCTS manage and prioritise long‑outstanding applications.

4. How the Escalation Route Works in Practice

A. Case Progression Update Request

Send an email to contactprobate@justice.gov.uk including:

• full name of the applicant,

• deceased’s name,

• date of death,

• HMCTS reference number,

• date the application was submitted,

• summary of any previous HMCTS queries.

B. Wait 10 Working Days

HMCTS requires this pause before escalation.

C. Submit the Probate Escalation Request Form

You can escalate if:

• the application is older than 12 weeks, or

• HMCTS requested further information and 6 weeks have passed since you responded.

The form is intended for cases that:

• have already been queried, and

• still require investigation or have had no meaningful update.

5. Current Probate Processing Times

HMCTS reported in June 2026 that:

• Online applications average 4.3 weeks,

• Paper applications average 16 weeks,

• Seasonal peaks (Jan–Apr) increase caseloads,

• Delays remain inconsistent across registries.

This explains why the 12‑week escalation threshold is now formalised.

6. Summary

If your probate application is delayed:

1. Email HMCTS for a case update: contactprobate@justice.gov.uk

2. Wait 10 working days for a reply.

3. If the application is over 12 weeks old, or 6 weeks after responding to a query, → Submit the Escalation Request Form.

4. HMCTS will review the case and progress it where possible.