Posts tagged “Executors”

Probate Registry faster but not fast enough

Posted on 25th October 2024

Toroises are known to be slow and so is the probate service

The latest data from HM Courts & Tribunals Service shows overall improvements from the Probate Registry although long delays continue.

Causes of poor performance include inexperienced staff and reduced service standards. Long delays and ‘stops’ on applications for probate remain common although the average time is reportedly 9.3 weeks (July 2024). That’s back to September 2022 levels.

The importance of attesting witnesses

Posted on 26th September 2024

A gavel and screens in a courtroom - Attesting witnesses should attend court if there's a dispute about a Will.

Recently two sisters went to the High Court due to a dispute about their mother’s Will.

When someone makes a Will they must sign it and then witnesses must confirm or ‘attest’ they believe the signature is theirs. They must also sign the Will.

Traditionally, when a Will is challenged the attesting witnesses come to court to give evidence. In this case the Court had to re-examine this rule.

Why your family tree matters

Posted on 11th June 2024

Exploring your family history is an increasingly popular hobby in the UK.

You can search for your ancestors on many different databases online from the comfort of your own home.

Many people are fascinated by their family’s origins. You might find you’re descended from an historic figure or a rogue, but it’s quite exciting to know more. You might even find connections in other parts of the world.

Just like a tree growing in a forest your family tree has important roots in the past for inheritance purposes.

New guidance on help to pay inheritance tax

Posted on 28th May 2024

Even if your family home is a cute countryside cottage inheritance tax might still be use when you die.

HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) has published guidance on applying for a grant on credit for Inheritance Tax (IHT) payments.

There have also been updates to the tax rules and processes affecting trusts and estates.

Probate delays still continue

Posted on 25th April 2024

The probate process takes a long time after you've laid flowers on a loved one's gravestone.

Concerns continue about probate application delays. The government says it has put measures in place to speed up the probate process.

Despite the government’s target to complete probate applications within 16 weeks, delays mean it can still take up to a year.

Four reasons why families argue about Wills

Posted on 11th March 2024

It’s increasingly common for families to argue about Wills. Relatives, partners, and professional caregivers are having ore disagreements about bequests.

The values of people’s estates are increasing and rates of dementia rising. Both of these things mean more disputes about inheritance when someone dies.

Dealing with bereavement

Posted on 27th October 2023

When you lose a close friend or family member you must deal with your grief and many practical issues too.

If you’re an executor for your loved one’s estate this is a very challenging time. Although it’s a necessary administrative process it’s sometimes confusing and stressful.

As this couple standing in a graveyard know bereavement is difficult.

Delays in probate are still continuing

Posted on 22nd December 2022

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has admitted that probate delays continue to increase for digital and paper applications, even where there aren’t any reasons for them to be stopped.

Allow for dealys when applying for grant of probate

Make sure your assets aren’t lost when you die

Posted on 12th October 2022

Using a smartphone and digital account is common but leaves little evidence of your assets when you die

Moving to online banking and turning off paper statements is convenient and popular. However, it’s easy to forget that this means there’s very little to tell your loved ones where your assets are when you die.

If they don’t have access to your digital devices and account details they might never find what you have left behind.

Probate delays continue

Posted on 11th February 2022

Letter tiles spelling 'allow for delay' sum up the current position with probate applications

Despite reassurances last year, probate delays are continuing in 2022. The promised improvements are failing to speed up the service for bereaved families.