Don't Use Cardiff Probate Office - Absolutely Hopeless!!!

woodbine66

Sent my application in for probate beginning of August. Had brief email from them soon after to say they have received it. Still waiting for probate. I applied in middle of summer, now winter - 13 weeks later!!


The inheritance tax was fully paid 2 months ago, and HMRC said they sent the IHT421 proof of payment at the time we paid to Cardiff. Have tried chasing Cardiff Probate to see what's going on - but only a recorded message on phone that cuts off the line at the end. No way of contacting them.


All this is causing serious stress and financial problems. Even if you live in Wales - DO NOT USE CARDIFF!!!!!!! Not sure if other Probate offices are as bad, but Cardiff has recently merged with the Bristol office, which is probably making the matter worse. It's absolutely disgusting to keep people in permanent limbo at a very difficult time.


Once again - DO NOT USE CARDIFF PROBATE OFFICE (Magistrates)!!!!!


Rant over!

gemw

There has been a nationwide issue with probate for months.
Some people have had to wait 4-6 months, even longer for probate to be granted.
Just have to sit tight and wait unfortunately.
I’m in the same boat.

Chrisvh

Forms sent to Cardiff on 23/08/2019. Signed for on 24/08/2019. No acknowledgment of receipt. Nothing heard since. Failure to answer phone or reply to emails. Very efficient when it came to cashing the cheque. Poor show and a display of arrogance.

dinkypoo19

My Father in Law passed away in February. Forms were received by Cardiff office at the end of March. Heard nothing. Phoned and emailed - no reply. Eventually, in desperation we went to the probate office, where they updated us on what was happening. They explained that they are so busy now that they don’t have time to answer enquiries. My advice would be if you can visit, do it.

woodbine66

Thanks for your replies. Some comfort that we're not alone. Imagined that they might have lost our paperwork. I'm in Bristol, so it's a bit of a trek. Will see how desperate we get.


Are all probate offices this bad?

woodbine66

dinkypoo19 wrote: »

My Father in Law passed away in February. Forms were received by Cardiff office at the end of March. Heard nothing. Phoned and emailed - no reply. Eventually, in desperation we went to the probate office, where they updated us on what was happening. They explained that they are so busy now that they don’t have time to answer enquiries. My advice would be if you can visit, do it.

Thanks for your reply. Did your visit speed up things in any way? How long did it take for you to get probate?

Chrisvh

In response to a further email I received a reply stating that the application was with quality assurance and documentation will be with me by next week. Progress hopefully!!

dinkypoo19

Hi, in answer to your question, they told us that they work on them in date order of receipt. Our was received the 28th of March and received the Grant of Probate on the 7th of June. Hope it will all go through for you soon 👍

Chrisvh

Just an update for information of anyone else awaiting probate from Cardiff.

Probate search website shows that probate was granted on 06.12.2019. Application submitted on 23.08.2019. I will update when documentation received.

Kathryn173

Similar situation with me... Probate applied for on the 22nd June, amendments met mid August. Nothing since. Call up and they just say "due any day now" but have said that for weeks...! Anyone got any advice on chasing successes?! Absolute nightmare.

woodbine66

Finally got my LOA last Friday - 4 months from applying!! Relieved but it's way too long.