5 Tips for Speeding up Your Probate Application

The Probate application process has certainly had its challenges over the last few years. Delays in receiving a grant of Probate have become lengthier which has led to understandable frustration from bereaved families and Probate Specialists alike. But why has the backlog occurred and what can you do to speed up your Probate application?

What has caused the Probate backlog?

Unfortunately, what once took a few weeks could now sometimes take several months. There are a number of factors that have contributed to the current Probate backlog. Panic over proposed fee increases has prompted several surges in applications over the last few years and a number of local registries have closed. In addition, from January 2021 the Probate Registry rolled out a new online system which, according to some Probate professionals, has suffered a few teething problems.

Is there anything I can do to speed up my Probate application?

While the recent issues are beyond anyone’s control, there are some practical things you can do to help your Probate application move through the system as smoothly as possible.

• Get your documentation in order: make sure you have all the documents and information you will need to complete the relevant paperwork. For example, the person’s Will, National Insurance number, birth and death or marriage certificates, bank accounts, share certificates etc. If you’re scratching around for information it will inevitably delay your application.
• Pay attention to detail: Even a simple mistake could delay your Probate application unnecessarily. Omitting a signature, forgetting to enclose payment, putting the wrong address, not sending it recorded delivery – they’re all small but common mistakes that could cost you precious time.
• Be proactive: the clearer and more comprehensive the information you provide, the easier it will be to process your paperwork, especially with regards to Inheritance Tax (IHT). Be on the ball with getting prompt formal valuations and if the estate is above the IHT threshold (£325,000), make sure all the deceased’s assets are declared on the HMRC IHT400 form, so any tax due can be settled.
• Keep an eye on progress: knowing what has been or needs to be done and by when will help you stay on top of things. If you haven’t heard back from someone important (like an asset holder) within a set time frame, you may have to chase them up. A diary can help you keep things moving along in a timely manner.
  
• Use a professional: the easiest way to speed up the process is to have a Probate Specialist make the application on your behalf. As experts, they know exactly what to do and may be able to make a digital application (depending on the size of the estate) which is generally quicker than sending paperwork. Instructing a Probate professional can particularly useful if you are making an application regarding a larger or more complex estate.

Probate Extraction Services you can trust

At Laurelo, we offer a comprehensive Probate Extraction Service that takes the hassle out of applying for Probate. We’ll conduct a fact-finding consultation with the Executor or Administrator and then take care of all the paperwork and the submission process. With our experts on your side, you have the best chance of completing the Probate application as quickly and efficiently as possible.

To find out more about how we can help you, contact our Probate Extraction team for a chat on 0203 058 2329 or drop us an email at info@laurelo.co.uk.

This article is intended to provide information only and does not constitute legal advice. We do not accept any responsibility for any omission or loss as a result of this article.