Delays in probate applications highlight inequalities

The Estate Registry (TER) has raised concerns over inequalities in access to probate services following a significant decline in paper applications for Grants of Probate since 2020. Despite the decrease in paper applications for probate, the figures reveal that applications for Letters of Administration, necessary when an individual dies without a will, have seen only a modest decline of 3%. This discrepancy signals a potentially troubling divide, as bereaved families might struggle more than others in adapting to a system that is progressively leaning towards digital services.

Howard Enders, Chief Operating Officer at The Estate Registry, stated “The figures could indicate that families dealing with an estate where there is no will may face additional barriers to accessing a system that has become increasingly digital.” He elaborated that the differences could be attributed to “the complexity of intestate estates, but also inequalities in estate values, access to professional support, confidence in dealing with legal processes and the digital skills needed to navigate applications independently.”

From 2020 to 2025, the drop in paper applications for Grants of Probate was dramatic, plummeting from 144,184 to just 17,481. However, Letters of Administration saw a slight decrease from 30,617 to 29,736. The statistics illustrate how applications with valid wills have embraced digital platforms, while paper applications remain prevalent among families facing the additional challenge of managing intestate estates.

Enders remarked “the figures raise important questions about whether the all-important shift towards digital services is delivering equal benefits to all bereaved families, particularly those who may have fewer resources or less confidence in managing an unfamiliar legal process.” The waiting times for processing these applications further underline the disparities; paper-based Letters of Administration averaged 14.2 weeks compared to 5.0 weeks for digital applications, with the gap significantly widening since 2020.

The data also indicates a shift in who is applying for these services. Personal applications for Letters of Administration surged from 19,109 in 2020 to 27,850 in 2025, marking a 46% rise. In contrast, solicitor applications saw a mere 12% increase, potentially reflecting a mix of circumstances where families either have confidence in managing the process themselves or are attempting to cut costs.

Enders highlighted that “Estate values may also play a role. Where an estate is relatively modest, families may be more reluctant or unable to pay for professional assistance.” While the rise in personal applications does not inherently indicate poor digital skills, it poses questions about whether all applicants possess equal access to clear guidance and support.

As TER pushes for improvements to the system, they emphasise the need for a more accommodating approach to accommodate diverse family needs. This includes ensuring access to clear instructions, identifying appropriate application routes, and obtaining necessary professional assistance.

Ultimately, as Enders concluded, “The Estate Registry believes that every bereaved family should have a fair opportunity to understand and complete the process of administering an estate, regardless of whether the deceased left a will, the value of the estate or the applicant's confidence with technology.” Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that no family is left behind in what can be a challenging time filled with emotional and practical demands.