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The time taken to validate wills in England and Wales has increased significantly in recent months, leaving bereaved families in limbo as they wait for their loved one’s estate to be processed — a delay that can have painful financial consequences.
Some estimates suggest processing times are now between 12-24 weeks, depending on the complexity of the estate, up from the previous average of just a few weeks.
But the clock starts ticking for any inheritance tax payments due before the grant of probate has been received — families have six months from the date of death to settle the IHT bill, so any delays to executors being liquidate assets could lead to additional interest payments.
We’re keen to hear about the experiences of readers who have suffered delays in their family’s probate application and what this has meant for them. Please get in touch by emailing maxine.kelly@ft.com.
