Protracted probate delays: Helping clients manage expectations

In common with many public services, delays in obtaining probate became protracted during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to 2020, waiting times for a grant of probate for an uncomplicated estate were typically six to eight weeks. Executors are now expected to wait at least double this period before a grant is issued.  Executors' attempts to garner any information relating to the progress of their application are thwarted by the Probate Registry's refusal to discuss an application until at least sixteen weeks have elapsed since the application was submitted. The most concerning imp...