Posts tagged “Probate”

Changes to the online probate service

Posted on 23rd August 2021

Changes to the online probate service, MyHMCTS, for solicitors and other legal professionals came into effect on 19 August 2021. These changes could simplify and streamline the probate process for executors and administrators.

A black gavel use in HM Court and Tribunal service hearings

Increases to probate fees

Posted on 26th July 2021

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has launched a consultation on its proposals to increase probate fees.

The new single fee of £273 will apply to professional and non-professional applicants, regardless of the size of the estate. The MoJ says the new fee reflects the cost of providing the service and is not intended to make a profit.

Currently the fees to apply for a grant of probate for an estate valued over £5,000 are £155 for professionals and £215 for individuals. Estates worth less than £5,000 don’t pay a fee.

picture of a gavel representing HM Courts & Tribunals Service

Finding family finances

Posted on 30th June 2021

It seems that we are reluctant to talk about our finances, even with our family and closest friends.

A recent YouGov survey showed that people rarely discuss financial matters, even important information that their executors need to know if they die.

Don’t forget your digital assets when you make your Will

Posted on 25th May 2021

The Law Society has urged people to include ‘digital assets’ such as emails, photos, social media accounts, websites and domain names, or cryptocurrencies in their Wills.

The Law Society commissioned a survey which found that more than nine out of ten people who have a Will have not included their digital assets.

Their research showed that three quarters of the 1,000 people questioned didn’t know what happened to their online presence after they die.

How long will probate take?

Posted on 9th February 2021

We’re told that waiting times for grants of probate have now been reduced to around five weeks.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) says that the number of grants issued each week is now higher than the number of applications being received.

If you apply for probate online, an option that was introduced in November last year, you should only have to wait around four weeks. If there aren’t any errors or omissions in the application, it could even be handled in a week.

If you submit the paper forms instead, you should receive your grant within eight weeks.

However, this is just the beginning of the process of administering an estate on behalf of a friend or family member.

Reducing errors in online probate applications

Posted on 27th November 2020

HM Courts and Tribunals Services (HMCTS) have published a guide to help reduce potential errors in online probate applications.

On average, over a third of applications for probate are ‘stopped’ by HMCTS because they are missing documentation or essential information.

Challenges to historic Wills

Posted on 18th November 2020

black and gold pen and Last Will and Testament

There are reports that challenges to historic Wills have increased by up to 400% this year.

In some cases, challenges are being made several years after an estate has been settled.

People are enquiring about the possibility of challenging the Wills of friends and family members, believing they have a claim to money or assets, although they weren’t declared at the time.

What is the Bereavement Standard?

Posted on 23rd October 2020

Some of the UK’s biggest banks, building societies and insurance companies are discussing how to improve services for bereaved customers.

More than 60 organisations, including major banks, intermediaries and brokers are involved in creating a new Bereavement Standard.

Caveat and probate

Posted on 9th October 2020

Did you know that a caveat can be used to prevent a grant of probate?

What could this mean for your friends and family?

What is a caveat?

A caveat is used to ask someone to suspend an action. In the case of your Will, it could be used to stop your executors obtaining a grant of probate. If you don’t have a Will, it could be used to prevent your family obtaining letters of administration.