Tips to Avoid Probate Delays: Pre-empt Common Errors and Speed Up the Process
The process of obtaining probate, which is a vital step in gaining control over an estate after someone dies, is currently causing delays for bereaved individuals in England and Wales. According to lawyers, the average wait time for probate is six weeks, but this can be significantly longer if paper forms are used or if mistakes are made in the application.
Paper applications are currently taking around five to six months to be approved, which is causing frustration for families already dealing with the loss of a loved one. Mistakes or missing documents in the application can also lead to delays of up to six months, with some cases being stopped and sent to the back of the queue for up to 20 weeks.
To avoid probate delays, experts recommend seeking the help of a legal professional to review the application before submission. This can help identify any errors or missing documents that could cause delays. Additionally, waiting 25 working days after sending inheritance tax paperwork to HMRC before applying for probate can help prevent delays caused by lack of response from HMRC.
Overall, while probate delays are decreasing, it is important for individuals to take steps to ensure a smooth and timely probate process. Seeking the assistance of a legal professional and carefully preparing the application can help avoid unnecessary delays and make the process as quick and simple as possible for grieving families.