Exizent has announced the release of Chapter 2 of the Bereavement Index 2024, focusing on the experiences, challenges, and perspectives of legal professionals managing probate and estate administration.
The Bereavement Index, now in its fourth year, provides a comprehensive analysis of the bereavement landscape and highlights key areas where the legal profession can improve processes to better serve clients dealing with loss. The full report is available for download here.
Chapter 2’s findings reveal a challenging environment for legal firms, with over 94% of professionals citing the probate process as slow and complex—a marked increase from previous years. Resource constraints, workload pressures, and limited technological integration are key issues, as 26% of firms struggle to manage probate caseloads effectively, and 28% report recruitment and retention difficulties due to outdated processes. Nick Cousins, Founder & CEO of Exizent, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the findings, said:
“The Bereavement Index highlights both the pressures and opportunities within the probate process. While firms face significant inefficiencies and resource challenges, many are now recognising that investment in technology can be a game changer—improving efficiency, attracting and retaining talent, and, most importantly, enhancing client service. We’re committed to helping firms address these issues to create meaningful change in the bereavement sector.”
The report also underscores a disconnect between the bereavement process’s current state and client expectations. 41% of legal professionals indicate that the time required to obtain a grant of probate is not reasonable, contributing to frustrations for both clients and practitioners. The findings suggest that the legal sector’s adoption of digital solutions—such as dedicated case management software—remains essential to enhancing efficiency and reducing the administrative burden on firms and clients alike.
Exizent have said that the Bereavement Index 2024 is a wake-up call for firms to step up, improve processes, and make better use of technology to create a more supportive experience in estate administration. For those handling probate, Chapter 2 is packed with practical insights to help tackle today’s challenges and keep up with the growing need for smoother, more efficient bereavement support.
For more insights and to download Chapter 2 of the Bereavement Index 2024, visit exizent.com/the-bereavement-index-2024
