Is It Time to Review Your Will? Key Life Changes That Could Affect Your Wishes
Life can change significantly over the course of a few years. Whether...
How long will my Will and other related matters take?
When you’re planning something as important as your Will, waiting can feel stressful. You deserve clarity, not uncertainty.
At Myers & Co our Wills & Probate team is here to give you clear timelines, plain‑English updates, and no surprises, so you always know what’s happening and what comes next.
View our Wills & Probate fees here
What are Typical Timescales for Wills and Probate?
Timescales below are typical averages and depend on third‑party bodies (for example HM Land Registry, the Office of the Public Guardian and HM Courts & Tribunals Service).
We’ll confirm your projected schedule after the initial review, and we’ll tell you straight away if an expedite route could help.
Wills Timeline Estimate
- From instruction to signing: 2–4 weeks (around one month).
- After taking your instructions, we draft, review with you, and arrange signing (witnessing) at a time and place that suits you.
- If your circumstances are urgent, ask about our priority appointment options.
Timescales for Property matters linked to Wills
Severance of joint tenancy (if required)
Our part: We prepare and submit within 1 month, usually alongside your Will.
Land Registry: Simple updates can be quick, but more complex changes may take weeks or even months.
Typical times:
- Routine changes: 35–65 days on average, most within 4–6 months.
- Complex cases (e.g., first registrations): 9–15 months on average.
If delays could affect a transaction, we can request a free “expedite” fast-track, which usually completes within about 10 working days.
Transfer of property into joint names
Our part: Prepare and lodge within 1 month (subject to receiving all documents).
Land Registry: Standard changes average 35–65 days, most within 4–6 months. Complex cases may take longer.
First registrations
Our part: Prepare and submit within around 8 weeks (depending on title evidence).
Land Registry: First registrations typically take 9–11 months, with most completing within 13–15 months.
Timescales for Creating a Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
Our part: We’ll prepare, sign, and submit your LPAs within 1 month of instruction (sooner if urgent).
OPG registration: Around 8–10 weeks, including a statutory 4-week waiting period (assuming no errors or objections).
Accuracy matters, mistakes can cause delays. We check everything extremely carefully before submission.
Find out more about Lasting Power of Attorney’s here.
Timeline Estimate for Probate (grant of probate/letters of administration)
We’ll confirm your estimated timeline in your client care letter after reviewing the estate’s complexity.
Current HMCTS averages (2025):
- Digital applications: Just over 2 weeks (sometimes under 1 week if documents are complete).
- Paper applications: Around 15 weeks.
Timescales for Court of Protection (deputyships and related orders)
Timescales vary depending on complexity and whether hearings or objections are involved.
Digital filing has improved speed for some applications, but routine cases can still take several months. Complex matters may take 9–12 months or longer.
We’ll give you a realistic timeline and advise on steps to help shorten the process.
What can affect timescales and how we keep things moving?
Several factors can influence how long your matter takes to complete, but our team will work proactively to keep things on track. Here’s what you need to know:
- Third-party backlogs: We monitor official timescales and use fast-track options where possible.
- Document accuracy: Errors can add weeks or months. We check everything thoroughly before submission.
- Complex estates or property histories: First registrations or estates with overseas assets often take longer. We’ll explain your options to reduce delays.
FAQs
Q: How fast can Land Registry update a simple change?
A: 35–65 days on average; most within 4–6 months. Expedite: approximately 10 working days.
Q: How long does LPA registration take?
A: On average8–10 weeks (includes 4-week wait). We ensure forms are correct first time.
Q: Has probate sped up?
A: Yes, digital applications often just over 2 weeks; paper under 15 weeks.
Q: How long does a deputyship take?
A: Routine cases: months; complex: 9–12 months+. We’ll give a tailored plan.
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Ready to get started?
Speak to our friendly Wills & Probate team in Stoke‑on‑Trent: 01782 577000 or make a quick enquiry online.
