Probate : 16 weeks and counting

bikeman

I'd be interested to know what the Probate Office actually do during the 16+ weeks they take to process an application.

Bearing in mind IHT, if applicable, is dealt with by HMRC in only 2 weeks when they then provide the applicant with their unique code and the estate value. 

I cant see that the Probate Office do any more than record the death certificate, check the will is signed, transcribe the execultor's name and the estate value on to the grant. Doesnt seem too onerous.

Because of the Probate Office I've had to defer a lot of the IHT which is now costing us interest. The slower they go the more interest they charge, a win for them.

Please enlighten me what they do that requires 16+ weeks?