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Relief as government drops proposals to increase probate fees
We’re pleased to report that the government has dropped its proposals to increase probate fees confirming that there is insufficient time to implement the legislation ahead of the general election in June.
In our recent article on the increase, our wills and probate expert, Sarah Finnigan, commented:
"The sharp increase in these charges has been met with disapproval in the legal sector, with many describing it as a new inheritance tax. One of the key criticisms is that as the assets of a will cannot be released until probate has been granted, executors may be forced to seek financial assistance in order to begin the process of dealing with the estate of the deceased."
Many others were of a similar view and the government’s abandonment of the increase is welcome news which will avoid hardship for many executors.
More information
- Dropped probate fee hike welcome (Law Society)
- Probate fees: Planned increase scrapped ahead of election (BBC)
Contact
For advice about probate or acting as an executor of an estate, contact Sarah Finnigan on 0161 785 3516 or make an enquiry.
Posted 28 April 2017
Please 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 LLP 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.