A brief update on probate

A new online system for probate applications was introduced in early October 2019, which will allow us to process and track applications for grants of probate online. 

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) have previously acknowledged that there have been significant delays in processing probate applications. We have often found that applications have been lost in the HMCTS backlog, with little information being made available as to the progress of our applications.

HMCTS recently informed the Law Society that they are successfully working through the backlog and now expect most applications to be processed within 28 days.

This follows news that the Government has completely abandoned plans to introduce a new banded fee structure that would have used the value of the estate to determine the probate registry fees. The proposed changes could have resulted in an increase in probate registry fees - up to £6000 from the current fees of £155.

We hope that following these updates, we will be able to help our clients obtain a grant of probate in a more efficient and cost effective manner. 

If you require any assistance with administration of estates, please contact our team.