The UK’s Probate Service has significantly reduced its backlog, with average wait times dropping by 60% over the past year. As of December 2024, the average waiting period for probate applications is now 6.4 weeks, down from nearly 16 weeks in December 2023.
In November 2023, the time from submission to grant reached a record high of 15.8 weeks, while the wait from document upload to grant was 13.9 weeks. However, the most recent figures show a dramatic improvement, with digital submissions now taking an average of just 4.8 weeks, and paper submissions requiring 14.6 weeks.
The reduction in waiting times is attributed to the increased use of digital submissions, which now make up 80% of applications. For digital applications that face no issues, the wait from document upload to grant is now only a couple of days.
The Probate Service has also made significant strides in clearing its backlog, reducing it by over 50,000 cases since August 2023. In fact, the number of grants issued has exceeded the number of applications received in every month of 2024. July 2024 saw the highest volume of new probate applications, with 27,828 received and 32,002 grants issued.
The average number of monthly grants in 2024 has increased by 20%, compared to the previous year, resulting in the lowest number of outstanding cases since early 2023.
The government’s efforts to address delays included improving recruitment, productivity, and call handling. Former justice minister Mike Freer highlighted that 2023 marked the highest volume of probate applications in nearly two decades.
The backlog caused considerable strain on law firms, with some clients reporting severe emotional distress due to the delays. In some cases, financial pressures led to feelings of hopelessness among individuals awaiting probate outcomes.
Sarah Sackman, the current courts and legal services minister, expressed relief at the improved service: “We understand that probate can be a challenging process for families. That’s why we’ve focused on reducing delays and making the process more efficient, especially by embracing digital methods.”
The reduction in waiting times has been celebrated by the charity sector, with James Stebbings, chair of the Institute of Legacy Management, noting the positive impact on charity donations. “The public leaves £4 billion to charities each year in wills, and the improvement in probate processing means that these vital gifts are now flowing more quickly.”
Stebbings added, “On behalf of the charity sector, we would like to extend our thanks for the improved service.”
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