header-logo header-logo

NLJ this week: Suggestions for resolving the costly delays to probate

22 March 2024
Issue: 8064 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Wills & Probate
printer mail-detail
164878

All sorts of costly problems can occur when probate is delayed, including house sales falling through, Helen Stewart, head of probate at Thomson Snell & Passmore, writes in this week’s NLJ

It’s an extra administrative burden and expense on top of what is already an emotionally difficult time for the bereaved. A parliamentary committee is currently investigating the issue.

Grants of probate used to be ‘routinely issued in under a month’ but now take about 15 weeks or even five to eight months for paper applications in Stewart’s experience. She writes: ‘I have worked as a specialist in this sector for 25 years, and the situation is worse than ever.’

In this article, Stewart explores the reasons for the problem and the impact on the bereaved, as well as listing ‘some immediate changes’ that might help the situation, and some longer-term responses.

Issue: 8064 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Wills & Probate
printer mail-details

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—Gustina Singgih

Charles Russell Speechlys—Gustina Singgih

Corporate team in London welcomes new partner

Church Court Chambers—Maria Karaiskos KC

Church Court Chambers—Maria Karaiskos KC

Historic appointment of chambers' first female head

Wright Hassall—five promotions

Wright Hassall—five promotions

Firm announces five promotions, including new partner

NEWS
Proposed legislation to tighten the rules on pooled client accounts would place ‘substantial’ burdens on solicitors, the Law Society has warned
Increasing numbers of family mediators are cutting back on legal aid work or leaving the sector altogether due to low fees—creating a supply shortfall for low-income families
Lawyers acting in cases funded by damages-based agreements (DBAs) cannot claim their share of the damages if no damages are awarded, the High Court has clarified
Lawyers have given a cautious welcome to a Ministry of Justice decision to increase Crown Court sitting days
Barristers have been targeted with death threats, rape threats, threats to their family members, physical surveillance and threats from politicians, chair of the Bar Barbara Mills KC has reported
back-to-top-scroll