Probate application chase

baggins_22

We tried chasing our application, was 9 weeks after they received it, just kept getting told that we would get a notification of either approval or a request for more information. As we are in a rush to get some things resolved, they advised that they could escalate it. Checked in a week later and they advised that it was in a queue to be escalated, which can take 2 weeks. So 10 weeks into the process and no one has even looked at the application, yet searching on the surname and year of probate I can see other applications being approved within 4 weeks, so frustrating

GaryBC

Seems I've started a bit of a rant-fest here! 
Sorry about that. 
Whilst it is nice to know I'm not alone it's not ultimately helping a great deal though.
Maybe there's someone from HMCTS reading this (someone senior) who can kick a few backsides and unclog the system? 
Oh, and if I hear "because of Covid/Brexit/WFH" I'll scream! People have been hiding behind that smoke screen for far too long now - it doesn't cut it anymore. 

TonyMMM

I used the webchat today to chase an on-line application made about 7 weeks ago ....was told it is waiting to be examined, and given a timescale of "probably about 4 weeks" ......so the wait goes on.

Dave_5150

All chasing my application ever did was raise my blood pressure, and make me frustrated. Their answer was always "wait xx more weeks" but nothing had changed by then.

tearyourhairout

I sent my completed PA1P form and the original will on May 8th for a straightforward estate.
Six weeks later I hadn't even had an acknowledgement so contacted the webchat who couldn't even find it.
There is obviously a major problem with the scanning process which needs sorting out ASAP. I have written to my MP who promised to look into it.
I eventually received an acknowledgement that it had been received after seven weeks and within a few days I then had an email arrive on a Sunday afternoon to say probate had been granted and would be sent to me within ten days. It arrived within three days.
I think, as a matter of courtesy, they should acknowledge receipt of forms and, especially original Wills, within 48 hours, which would help ease stress levels.
I would also add that it took four calls to the probate office to receive the correct form with some staff obviously unaware of the rule changes on January 1st 2022.

GaryBC

28th March I paid over the phone and was told "3 to 4 weeks".
8th April was the date the completed forms were signed for as having arrived.
6th May I got an email confirming the forms had arrived and that it'd be 8 weeks.
10th May I received back the death and marriage certificates I'd sent them.
Not heard a word since. 
I'll be phoning this week! 

bunnygo

It is no consolation but 'me too'. Got 'stopped' because the scanning lot fouled up, answered the query the same day it was raised but my email wasn't even logged until I chased via the webchat. That gave them a further five weeks from the day of the query. Nothing has happened after that time, I'm now told it has been escalated which gives them a further 10 working days.

8 weeks is clearly a fantasy unless you get lucky. This is costing money but I've no idea what can be done about that. I have a functioning MP but she is a) very busy and b) presumably I have to exhaust their complaint process first.

are they understaffed?

shiraz99

bunnygo said:

It is no consolation but 'me too'. Got 'stopped' because the scanning lot fouled up, answered the query the same day it was raised but my email wasn't even logged until I chased via the webchat. That gave them a further five weeks from the day of the query. Nothing has happened after that time, I'm now told it has been escalated which gives them a further 10 working days.

8 weeks is clearly a fantasy unless you get lucky. This is costing money but I've no idea what can be done about that. I have a functioning MP but she is a) very busy and b) presumably I have to exhaust their complaint process first.

are they understaffed?

Based on what evidence, the number of cases you see here, which are probably a very small fraction of the applications that go through well within the expected time period.

GaryBC

shiraz99 said:

bunnygo said:

It is no consolation but 'me too'. Got 'stopped' because the scanning lot fouled up, answered the query the same day it was raised but my email wasn't even logged until I chased via the webchat. That gave them a further five weeks from the day of the query. Nothing has happened after that time, I'm now told it has been escalated which gives them a further 10 working days.

8 weeks is clearly a fantasy unless you get lucky. This is costing money but I've no idea what can be done about that. I have a functioning MP but she is a) very busy and b) presumably I have to exhaust their complaint process first.

are they understaffed?

Based on what evidence, the number of cases you see here, which are probably a very small fraction of the applications that go through well within the expected time period.

That is an interesting observation but, if you refer back to my original question, utterly pointless and completely off topic. 
May I suggest you make such comments on the thread that is praising HMCTS for their excellent turnround times, and leave this one for those of us who are getting a less excellent service? 

msb1234

Whilst it’s frustrating, there really IS no point getting worked up about it. For whatever reason, the system is broken, or at least very badly damaged. I realised when I was dealing with Lloyds bank over payment for my mum’s funeral that I had to put it to the back of my mind and give myself one day a fortnight to make a phone call for an update. 

Dealing with bereavement, lots of different companies my mum was financially involved in plus my stepfather has tested my patience to the extreme. But I now realise, the financial side of my mums estate isn’t going to be sorted any time soon. 

Perhaps you need to try to have a similar mindset. When speaking to other people in my situation, they’ve all said it took around a year to sort out the estate.