Amazing quick time for probate

EtAl

Received my grant in the post today. That was nearly 9 weeks of waiting for a simple case with everything done online and no inheritance tax to pay.

lisyloo

received an email from Manchester registry (executor as pre-deceased) saying they don't like the witness signatures and asking witnesses to fill out a form.

We have email back to say witnesses have pre-deceased.

Called Harlow and they attached email to the case whilst I was on the phone.

Now being escalted for next steps.

13 weeks so far.

JGB1955

I posted my probate application to Harlow last Monday (24 August).  Signed for on Tuesday 25th  Receipt acknowledged and application approved today.  That's an amazing 7 working days in total!  

EtAl

lisyloo said:

received an email from Manchester registry (executor as pre-deceased) saying they don't like the witness signatures and asking witnesses to fill out a form.

We have email back to say witnesses have pre-deceased.

Called Harlow and they attached email to the case whilst I was on the phone.

Now being escalted for next steps.

13 weeks so far.

Why are they unhappy with the witness signatures?

lisyloo

EtAl said:

lisyloo said:

received an email from Manchester registry (executor as pre-deceased) saying they don't like the witness signatures and asking witnesses to fill out a form.

We have email back to say witnesses have pre-deceased.

Called Harlow and they attached email to the case whilst I was on the phone.

Now being escalted for next steps.

13 weeks so far.

Why are they unhappy with the witness signatures?

The witness signatures are in capitals and don’t look like signatures.
HMCTS agree the paper and ink is 30 years old just questioning whether the home made will was made properly.
my husband has now signed a letter (written by them) which says none of the witness are now living, he recognises the handwriting, he’s searched the house and not found any other wills, there are no other beneficiaries (there’s just 2 children), and he will take full liability if anything later comes to light.
they should accept this as they wrote it, so hopefully this will now be forthcoming shortly.
the bad news is that the money is with NS&I who did have a backlog.

i can see the merit in getting a proper will done (which I advised decades ago).
ive been on hols and I can also see the benefit in not micro managing stuff (sometimes).