Probate Registry Delays

The introduction of new software at Probate Registries in England and Wales, together with a high volume of applications being made prior to the anticipated increase in Probate Court fees has caused long delays.

Until recently, applications had been processed in around two weeks. According to the Ministry of Justice, some delays of up to four weeks have been experienced as a result of the transfer to a new IT system. However in practice, many law firms are reporting much longer delays of around eight weeks. Postal delays have also arisen with Grants of Probate being received on average eleven days after the date of issue.

It is also understood that the Ministry of Justice is planning on closing down regional Probate Registries and moving all probate services to one centre in Birmingham.

Peter Gooch is the Probate and Trust Manager at Barker Gotelee, Solicitors in Suffolk.

Suffolk Probate Solicitors – for more information on our range of legal services, please call the team on 01473 611211 or email bg@barkergotelee.co.uk