Average wait times for probate are now just over four weeks, HM Courts and Tribunals Service data published this week shows.
This is reduced from 12 weeks in December 2023 and eight weeks in June 2024.
Justice minister Sarah Sackman KC said about 80% of grant applications are now completed online, with digital applications taking on average just over two weeks to complete. Paper applications take about 15 weeks.
Sackman said extra staff have been recruited to reduce delays. Two years ago, lawyers were advising clients to expect probate to take nine months, with some applications taking more than 11 months.
