Preventing delays in obtaining a Grant of Probate.
Our solicitors specialise in probate and wills, and offer a free consultation service. Simply call us on 0333 888 0439 or email us at info@probateandwillssolicitors.co.uk
There are many rumours that it can take months, if not years, for a Grant of Probate to be issued, but by following our guide on how to speed up a probate application your grant should be issued in no time.
1. Make sure you have the original will
If you do not submit the original will, or can only provide a copy, the application is likely to take a lot longer. The executors may be required to swear an oath or sign an affidavit to confirm they have undertaken a thorough search for the original Will.
2. Check people’s names
Some individuals use multiple names or have a variant of names on their documentation (for example, Jonathan, Jon, Johnny). If the deceased, or an executor, is known by multiple names, or has changed their name since the will was made, then this should be declared on the probate application. If the probate registry has to verify the names of individuals then this will cause a delay.
3. Check the key dates
You need to ensure that you have disclosed the right date of death and the correct date of the will. It is easy to skim read over a death certificate and sometimes the “thirtieth” and “thirteenth” can look very similar. So, just take a moment to check that your application matches the dates on the death certificate and the will. If the dates are incorrect then the probate registry may delay matters while the correct dates are verified.
4. Is the right person applying?
The person named as executor in the will should be the one applying for the Grant of Probate. It is possible for an executor to step down so that the replacement executor can act, but you need to confirm this in the application and provide evidence in support. Likewise, if the original executor has died in the deceased’s lifetime you will need to ensure this is mentioned on the application to avoid a delay.
5. How we can help to speed up a probate application
It can be quite daunting to deal with a loved one’s estate and apply for the Grant of Probate on your own. Our team of probate lawyers is here to help you through the process, using all their experience to speed up a probate application.
We can assist on an ad hoc basis, or deal with the whole administration process. The choice is yours, and we will be happy to provide you will details of our costs.
