Probate : 16 weeks and counting

Jowwie

You can't even ask what is going on for 16 weeks. I am shocked, compared with the couple of weeks turnaround I had on a previous probate in 2020.

If it was private sector I would be expecting some sort of class action compensation claim to be kicking off. Delays must be costing us all combined many millions of pounds just in bank interest and running costs of empty houses. Plus  also the stress impact of the delays on grieving relatives.

Not a criticism of those trying to do the job, but I think questions do need to be asked of those that have made these "improvements" to the service.

Sarahspangles

Jowwie said:

Not a criticism of those trying to do the job, but I think questions do need to be asked of those that have made these "improvements" to the service.

I’m not defending the service, but I do think overall the whole process has improved, particularly for individuals applying online.  This may actually be the issue - they’re more likely to make errors and then the ‘slow’ bit happens while the application is being considered.  If the common errors are analysed and they improve the form wording to head these off, it will improve further.

Our most recent application went in within a month of the death.  We wouldn’t have been able to do that previously due to steps like the Executors needing to attend to swear.

waiting4probate

Sarahspangles said:

I know some people have mentioned they’ve been contacted with questions or to request more documents but in other cases it’s unclear what was holding it up.  Did they acknowledge that they had received the Will?  This seems to be happening only some of the time, but when it does is a reassurance that nothing has gone astray in the post.

I've had no acknowledgement of receipt of the will. It was sent "signed for" as they instruct. They really should acknowledge receipt, or at least have some way for you to check.

waiting4probate

lisyloo said:

what does your online account say about the status of the application?

Status is Submitted. Worryingly, when I click View Application it takes me to the 

Send your documents

instructions page. I hope this doesn't mean the Will has gone AWOL in the post. There were postal strikes going on at the time.

BooJewels

I have an active and recent application in and did get an email about receipt of the Will last Wednesday 15th (signed for on 3rd March), saying "HMCTS Probate has received the documents you sent to support your application."  So they would appear to be doing it sporadically, or maybe your email went astray - have you checked your Spam etc.?

I do think the system is gradually becoming unfit for purpose - and it's something we're paying for - we're not asking for a free service.   It took HMRC 9 months to get a payment reference to me for a CGT payment - and I'd already worked it out for them.

As mentioned, there are direct costs and implications to all of us of these delays, not to mention the emotional consequences and frustration whilst waiting.  The cost to this particular estate will be modest, as the bank have already released funds, so there's money to pay them, but for some estates, the costs and consequences could be considerable.

lisyloo

waiting4probate said:

lisyloo said:

what does your online account say about the status of the application?

Status is Submitted. Worryingly, when I click View Application it takes me to the 

Send your documents

instructions page. I hope this doesn't mean the Will has gone AWOL in the post. There were postal strikes going on at the time.

If you sent it signed for then you should be able to use the tracking number and check on royal mails website as to whether it arrived at HMCTS.

BooJewels

waiting4probate said:

lisyloo said:

what does your online account say about the status of the application?

Status is Submitted. Worryingly, when I click View Application it takes me to the 

Send your documents

instructions page. I hope this doesn't mean the Will has gone AWOL in the post. There were postal strikes going on at the time.

How did you send it - if you sent it SD or signed for, which you should have - what does that say?

Jowwie

waiting4probate said:

I've had no acknowledgement of receipt of the will. It was sent "signed for" as they instruct. They really should acknowledge receipt, or at least have some way for you to check.

The will I sent had been signed for at the beginning of January. I asked after it recently via the webchat facility as I had heard nothing. I got confirmation it had been uploaded and scanned, just that information had not been notified to me.

lisyloo

Jowwie said:

waiting4probate said:

I've had no acknowledgement of receipt of the will. It was sent "signed for" as they instruct. They really should acknowledge receipt, or at least have some way for you to check.

The will I sent had been signed for at the beginning of January. I asked after it recently via the webchat facility as I had heard nothing. I got confirmation it had been uploaded and scanned, just that information had not been notified to me.

It's not unheard of for emails to just go missing (if its not in your spam/junk folder).
It would be a lot better if they had some tracking information online.

Sarahspangles

Yes, the acknowledgement of receipt is sporadic, we didn’t get one and someone recently reported they got the acknowledgment of receipt and the email saying it had been granted within minutes of each other.