Probate Waiting Times Halved: What Families and Charities Need to Know in 2025

Families and charities across England and Wales are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to probate delays. Thanks to a concerted push from the Government, the probate system has undergone a major transformation, dramatically reducing the time it takes for estates to be processed and distributed.

As of December 2024, average probate waiting times have been cut to just over four weeks, down from twelve weeks at the end of 2023 and eight weeks in mid-2024. This rapid improvement comes off the back of the Government’s Plan for Change, which has focused on restoring key public services through recruitment, digitisation, and systemic reform.

What Is Probate and Why Does It Matter?

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate—ensuring their debts are settled and their remaining assets distributed according to their will (or intestacy rules if no will exists). Delays in probate can stall access to crucial funds for family members, loved ones, and charities that rely heavily on gifts left in wills.

Sarah Sackman KC MP, Minister for Courts and Legal Services, put it plainly:

“We know that handling probate can be tough for families at a difficult period in their lives. That is why we’ve worked hard to reduce delays and make the process easier.”

The Numbers Behind the Change

Data from HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) reveals:

• 80% of applications are now completed online, with digital grants issued in just over two weeks on average.
   
• If documents are submitted correctly, some applicants are receiving grants in under one week.
   
• Even paper applications—which traditionally take much longer—have seen improved turnaround, now taking under 15 weeks, down from over 22 weeks in 2023.
   
• The number of outstanding cases is now at its lowest level since early 2023, with a backlog reduction of over 50,000 cases since August 2023.
   

The average monthly volume of probate grants issued in 2024 was 27,400, a 20% increase from the previous year, highlighting both increased efficiency and demand.

The Human Impact: Families Get Relief Sooner

The emotional weight of losing a loved one is often compounded by administrative delays. Probate, especially when drawn out, can prolong grief, delay closure, and create financial stress.

Now, with faster application processing, bereaved families are able to gain access to estate funds in a timely manner—helping to settle bills, distribute inheritances, and wrap up affairs without months of uncertainty.

For executors, administrators, and legal representatives, the streamlined digital system means fewer hurdles and more transparent timelines.

A Boost for Charities

While families benefit directly, the impact of the revamped probate system is also being felt strongly in the charity sector.

James Stebbings, Chair of the Institute of Legacy Management, noted:

“Each year the public leave charities £4bn of gifts in their wills and the relief in the charity sector that this income is flowing again is huge.”

These legacy gifts can be a vital source of funding for charities—from small local organisations to national institutions. When probate is delayed, these gifts are essentially locked away. Now, charities have quicker access to their bequests, helping them meet financial commitments and continue their work uninterrupted.

Alex McDowell, Vice Chair of Remember A Charity and Director of Fundraising at the Duke of Edinburgh Award, added:

“With more and more people across the UK choosing to support good causes through their Wills each year, an efficient and effective probate service is vital for sustaining charitable services and charities’ financial planning.”

Government’s Plan for Change: How the Turnaround Happened

The sharp improvement in processing times didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of strategic moves within the Ministry of Justice and HMCTS, including:

• Hiring additional staff, with focused training to handle probate cases efficiently.
   
• Expanding digital capabilities, which now process the majority of applications.
   
• Clearing the pandemic-era backlog, which had slowed the system to a crawl in previous years.
   

This is part of the broader Plan for Change—a Government initiative aimed at restoring and strengthening core public services that were stretched thin by Covid-19 and other pressures.

Sarah Sackman KC MP summed up the progress:

“By cutting wait times and going digital, we’re ensuring people receive the support they need quickly at what can be a challenging time.”

A Return to Pre-Backlog Performance

The probate system, as of early 2025, has essentially returned to performance levels not seen since five years ago, according to HMCTS.

In a time where digital transformation and public sector reform are often met with skepticism or delays, the probate overhaul stands out as a clear success story. The Government, HMCTS, and those working behind the scenes deserve credit for delivering an outcome that is having real-world impact for thousands of families and institutions each month.

What This Means for You

If you're currently navigating a probate application—whether for a family member, friend, or client—the odds are in your favour that the process will be much faster and smoother than in previous years.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Digital applications offer the quickest turnaround—so opt for this method if possible.
   
• Submit all required documents accurately to avoid delays.
   
• Check HMCTS guidance for updates or required documents for your specific situation.
   
• If you’re a charity expecting a legacy, it’s worth liaising with legal representatives to ensure everything is in order to avoid unnecessary waiting.
   

Legal Support Can Still Help

While improvements have made the process faster, legal advice remains essential in complex estates, contested wills, or where international assets are involved. A probate solicitor can help ensure:

• All assets are accurately valued
   
• Debts and taxes are properly handled
   
• Disputes are avoided or resolved swiftly
   

For legal support, contact Parachute Law’s probate specialists or call 0207 183 4547 to book your consultation