Probate Delays Continue…
Head of Wills & Probate, Jo Robinson discusses the latest news regarding probate delays….
“Grieving families in probate limbo” was a recent headline in the Times Newspaper and unfortunately it could not be truer.
Online application are currently taking between 8 – 10 weeks and paper applications are taking on average a staggering 22.6 weeks.
The delays are undoubtedly a result of the backlog caused by the closure of a number of Probate Registries back in 2019 and the knock on effect of Covid.
In addition, services such as scanning are being outsourced to save money and many of the skilled staff have either retired or have been made redundant.
Prior to the changes, it was common for a grant to be issued in as little as 2 weeks.
Clients are understandably upset by the delays, particularly if they if they are unable to settle bills, pay legacies, sell homes or pay inheritance tax before penalties are incurred and so private client lawyers are having to manage expectations from the outset.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the term commonly used to describe the different types of grants of representation that are issued by the Probate Registry.
A grant is usually required if the deceased owned property or shares in their sole name, or if they had savings over a certain amount (the actual amount varies from bank to bank).
If inheritance tax is due on the estate then this must be paid by the end of the sixth month after the person’s death. After this, HMRC will start charging interest at a rate of 6.75%.
How Can Timms Help With Probate ?
If you are struggling with a probate application or require any advice regarding estate administration, please contact me at j.robinson@timms-law.com or on 01332 364436.
May 2023