HMCTS incredibly slow service

Mutton_Geoff

I applied for a copy of a will for family history purposes on 1st Dec 25. The order page stated a 2-3 week turnaround but I expected it may take a little longer due to Christmas & New Year.

As I hadn't recieved anything by 10th Jan, I contacted them and asked roughly how long it might take. Their response just said they were busy after a rush of orders prior to a 10% price rise last November but still no mention of expected delivery date.

Now it's 3 calendar months since my order and still nothing seen. I guess they are still dealing with the pre increase orders from last Oct/Nov.

This post in case you have an outstanding request with HMCTS and wonder why it's taking so long. And why a small £1.50 fee increase would cause such a backlog beats me.

otb666

I think it went from £1.50 to £16 quite a hefty jump

Mutton_Geoff

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81904577#Comment_81904577

Yep, £14.50 to £16.00. 10.3%. Hardly a big deal but they clearly can't cope.

otb666

• Old Price: £1.50 (in place since July 2019).
• New Price: £16.00 (effective from 17 November 2025).

Cairnpapple

otb666 is correct. The old price was £1.50. The new price is £16.

It's not surprising that anyone who thought they might be need a copy of a will chose to do so before the price rise.

Mutton_Geoff

Ah, my bad as they say. The backlog has been going on since at least November then. Did they not think there might be a rush if they did something like this?

pcgtron

I ordered a copy of my uncles probate documents in early December and am having the same problems.

Sent an email chasing in January and got the same response in regards to the backlog.

The order is still pending now, and thank goodness I found a copy of his probate document otherwise I'd still be waiting to submit the iht 400. It's ridiculous