which Probate Office?

borntobemild

Do I have to apply for probate from my nearest Probate Office? I'm told that as of a couple of days ago they had started processing applications received on June 1st. If possible I'd like to check which ones have a shorter backlog.

YoungBlueEyes

I don't know this for a fact, but I don't think you get a choice which office you'd like to pick.

When dad died, we swore our oathes at our solic's and he sent the forms off for probate. It went to Newcastle, although if this was because it's our nearest one (it's prob about 100 miles away ish) or if that was our solic's choice as he knew it'd be quicker I don't know. We certainly weren't offered a list to pick from, so to speak.

Brynsam

You can use any probate office you like.

Go to https://courttribunalfinder.service.gov.uk/search/postcode?aol=Probate and enter your postcode; it will then give you the nearest 10 offices.

Flugelhorn

I took paperwork to Leeds in March and it was v quickly sorted - not sure if they have a backlog now

SevenOfNine

Have used Oxford 3 times in past 6 years, all prompt turnaround, most recent being this year.

5 March probate/tax applications signed & we didn't even bother to take them to Oxford, shoved it in the post as 'signed for' delivery.
21 March received 'oath' paperwork/instructions by email & did it locally same day & posted it back to Oxford.
27 March received Grant dated 26 March.

In 2012 & 2016 they were only marginally slower, though 2012 had subsequent delays because of DWP queries.

Establishing which office has fastest turnaround might be like asking how long is a piece of string. I imagine it will depend on how many people have died & require probate/LoA!

Margot123

In my experience, and that of my solicitor it is Newcastle that appears to have the quickest turnaround.

If you have a pending property sale, make sure you highlight that on the form.

badger09

You can choose which Probate Registry you use, but, if you want to swear the oath at a local Probate Registry, you would have to apply to the main one covering that area.

Eg you want to swear oath at Stoke, you'd have to send application to main Registry at Birmingham (not advisable per my recent experience;))

However, much easier to swear the oath at a local solicitor. Mine (Shropshire) charged £7 last week.

borntobemild

Badger, I'm Shropshire too! Birmingham is the one I'm hoping to avoid. And yes, planning to swear the oath locally somewhere.

AnotherJoe

YoungBlueEyes wrote: »

I don't know this for a fact, but I don't think you get a choice which office you'd like to pick.

When dad died, we swore our oathes at our solic's and he sent the forms off for probate. It went to Newcastle, although if this was because it's our nearest one (it's prob about 100 miles away ish) or if that was our solic's choice as he knew it'd be quicker I don't know. We certainly weren't offered a list to pick from, so to speak.

You are incorrect, you can choose.

In your case because you used a solicitor, he chose, as no doubt you didn't express a preference, he thought you would have no basis on which to choose, it doesn't matter other than waiting times and he picked for his own reasons, most likely either he has a good relationship with people in the offices there, he knows they are quick. or even just "thats the one he always uses".