Original will missing at Harlow Probate Office

Mauritius90

Has anyone else been told their relatives original will is missing at Harlow Probate office? Apparently they have a problem with the scanning process! This problem has been ongoing for weeks now and don’t seem to be able to find a resolution. Has anyone any ideas?

JGB1955

This has been mentioned in a recent thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6176482/how-to-get-probate-without-the-original-will/p1

xylophone

https://theprobatedepartment.co.uk/probate-registry-delays-updated-regularly/
Do you have a copy of the will?
Make a formal complaint?

Mauritius90

I have a certified copy of the will. I have made an official complaint the reply I got was that the outside agency they use has been uploading documentation that they are unable to read! I would feel more confident sending the copy if I had a name person instead of it potentially happening again. They keep suggesting being patient as they are looking for it! But I’m becoming increasingly concerned.

xylophone

I got was that the outside agency they use has been uploading documentation that they are unable to read! 

And how does that answer your complaint? Take it up with your MP?

Mauritius90

I will do that! I just wish there was a person who would take up the case rather than different people every time you ring! They did say that isn’t there final response to my complaint, but I want to have some idea of timescale! You just cannot escalate the concern any further! 

Mauritius90

I have emailed my MP. This will not only be affecting me and at a difficult time.

74jax

I feel your pain. I'm the op in the other thread highlighted above. 

How long have you had to wait? 

Mauritius90

This has been ongoing since 13th May when IHT421 was sent over by HMRC I waited 8 weeks only to be told Probate office hadn't received it! That resulted in me ringing HMRC who then sent over the IHT421 again Probate Office have confirmed all they are waiting for now is the will. I then sent the will registered post on 6th July they received it on 7th July!! We have my fathers house on the market and offers are coming in but won't be able to sell without grant of probate! It's so frustrating! I feel for you too, nothing seems to go smoothly at present. A government agency who have centralised things all to the detriment of the customer, the system was so simple when you could take documentation to your local office.

74jax

Mauritius90 said:

This has been ongoing since 13th May when IHT421 was sent over by HMRC I waited 8 weeks only to be told Probate office hadn't received it! That resulted in me ringing HMRC who then sent over the IHT421 again Probate Office have confirmed all they are waiting for now is the will. I then sent the will registered post on 6th July they received it on 7th July!! We have my fathers house on the market and offers are coming in but won't be able to sell without grant of probate! It's so frustrating! I feel for you too, nothing seems to go smoothly at present. A government agency who have centralised things all to the detriment of the customer, the system was so simple when you could take documentation to your local office.

Mid April for us. Its annoying as the Royal mail tracking said delivered so thought no more it. Then 6 to 8 weeks later I got a letter it hadn't been recieved. Had I known earlier I'd have been able to sort. I called and it had been scanned but then lost..... Hoping ours is sorted 4 Sept but that's 5 months later....... 🙈 

Mauritius90

I feel for you it’s bad enough loosing a loved let alone all this hassle