Why Do Solicitors Take So Long to Get Probate?

Obtaining probate, the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate, can be a time-consuming task. One of the common complaints from people who have gone through the process is that solicitors take a long time to get probate. There can be a variety of reasons for this, and it’s important to understand that each case is unique and can have its own set of complexities.

Complexities of the Estate

One reason why solicitors may take a long time to get probate is that the estate may be complex. This can include a large number of assets, multiple beneficiaries, or assets that are difficult to value. In such cases, the solicitor may need to spend a significant amount of time gathering information, valuing assets, and ensuring that all legal requirements are met.

Legal Proceedings

Another reason why solicitors may take a long time to get probate is that there may be outstanding legal proceedings that need to be resolved before the estate can be administered. This can include disputes over the will, tax issues, or outstanding debts that need to be paid before the assets can be distributed. Solicitors may need to take the time to resolve these issues before probate can be granted.

Solicitor’s Workload

It’s also worth noting that solicitors may have a high workload and may not have the capacity to work on your case as quickly as you would like. It’s important to remember that solicitors are handling multiple cases at a time and may have to prioritise certain cases over others. This can lead to delays in getting probate.

Costs

Another reason why solicitors may take a long time to get probate is that they may need to incur additional costs to obtain probate. This can include advertising for creditors, obtaining valuations of assets, or taking legal advice on specific issues. These costs can add to the overall time it takes to get probate.

Communication

Finally, it’s worth noting that in some cases, the delay may be due to a lack of communication between the solicitor and the client. It’s important to keep in mind that solicitors are required to keep clients informed about the progress of their case and to respond to any queries or concerns in a timely manner. If you have any concerns about the time it is taking to get probate, it’s essential to raise them with your solicitor.

In conclusion, there can be a variety of reasons why solicitors take a long time to get probate. It can be due to the complexities of the estate, outstanding legal proceedings, solicitor’s workload, costs, and lack of communication. It’s important to remember that each case is unique and that obtaining probate can be a time-consuming task. If you have any concerns about the time it is taking to get probate, it’s essential to raise them with your solicitor and keep track of the progress of your case.