Surge in probate delays following inheritance tax changes

The government states that probate, the process in which a person obtains the legal right to distribute a person's estate once they die, should be granted within 16 weeks of application. Statistics gathered by Quilter showed a three-year rise of 209% for those waiting more than six months. For those waiting between 21-23 months, the longest period recorded, the number has shot up 132%. Quilter said that upcoming legislation making pensions liable to inheritance tax (IHT) put mounting pressure on probate times, as further delays should be expected under the new rules that are expected ...