Average Probate waiting times reduced
Probate solicitors are welcoming the news that average probate waiting times have been reduced and families will receive funds left to them in Wills quicker as they did last year.
Current Probate waiting times
Overall the Probate waiting times have been cut to just over four weeks, as around eight out of ten applications go digital.
It is now taking about 4 weeks to receive Probate, depending on individual circumstances, in comparison to over 12 weeks at the end of 2023. A backlog of Probate cases during Covid had an initial impact on waiting times, but more staff and an increase in digital applications has led to the improvements, announced by the UK Government.
Probate is often a challenging and emotional time for all those involved, and delays can be difficult to accept. At Pearson our Probate Solicitors have been working hard to keep clients up to date and deal with the delays but are glad to see the Government has taken action to bring Probate up to date.
“We are pleased to see the Probate Registry announcement that the average wait for probate applications to be processed is now just over four weeks.,” said Probate Solicitor, Hannah Pearson.
“The changes to a centralised system rather than using local Probate Registries with expert staff had previously caused a lot of problems. Online probate applications had been taking about 16 weeks to be processed, and paper applications even longer.
“As a house cannot be sold until probate has been granted, delays had been causing issues for families who were unable to sell the house in order to pay off liabilities that might have been incurring interest,” she added.
Why Pearson Solicitor?
By using one of our expert Probate Solicitors, we can ensure that all necessary steps are taken correctly to minimise potential errors and delays.
Our team can also assist with completing inheritance tax accounts for HM Revenue & Customs to ensure that all relevant inheritance tax reliefs are claimed and the correct amount of tax paid.
“The Probate Registry have now recruited and trained more staff and are making good progress in working through the previous backlog. A 4 week turnaround makes it much easier for bereaved families to move forward in dealing with the administration of a loved one’s estate,” added Hannah Pearson.
Paper Probate applications
Paper applications are still unfortunately taking about 15 weeks to process, which is significantly longer than the online applications, but we understand that the Probate Registry are aiming to make it possible for more applications to be made online to help reduce delays.
How can we help?
If you are faced with dealing with an estate and need legal advice and help especially if there are assets, trusts, pensions and property to deal with. Contact our Probate Solicitors on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk
Subscribe to our newsletterPlease note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.
