It’s hard to avoid hearing about the issues around the probate service. I have worked as a specialist in this sector for 25 years, and the situation is worse than I have experienced. MPs are regularly contacted by constituents who have suffered emotionally and financially, and this led to the Justice Committee launching a call for evidence on the Probate Registry.
All change at the probate registry
Applications are now handled centrally, which has increased delays. Previously, applications were submitted to a District Probate Registry, where they were handled by experienced members of staff who could answer pre-lodgement enquiries, and who were familiar with the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987. Their advice meant applications could be processed efficiently and grants could be issued promptly.
Under the new centralised system, issues with an application often result in it seeming to move to the back of the queue. Even when additional information is provided promptly, it takes too long before the case is looked at again, usually
