How long does it take to obtain a Grant of Probate in England and Wales?
The Family Court have released their quarterly statistics and have shown that between January and March 2022 the average time to issue a grant of probate from receiving the application was approximately 8 weeks.
At Rogers & Norton we therefore advise clients that on average from being instructed to receiving the grant of probate it can take between 3 and 6 months on most straightforward estates.
Before an application to the probate registry can be made it is important to review all the assets and liabilities of the estate. This can include items such as obtaining house valuations, contents valuations, getting date of death balances from bank accounts and investments to getting shares valued. Liabilities of estates can often include items such as mortgages, credit cards and loans. Funeral expenses and the cost of wakes and memorials can also be included.
Once the inheritance tax position has been reviewed and information submitted to HMRC (depending upon the value of the estate) it is then possible to apply to the probate registry. Our private client team are experienced in applying through the online portal but also via paper applications where the application is more obscure or complicated.
If you have any questions on the administration of estates or would like advice or assistance in applying for a grant of probate, then please contact Laura Rumsey in Norwich on 01603 675645 or Wenke Lie-Critchley in our Attleborough office on 01953 458162.