There are six stages in probate which are as follows:
(VAT is currently applicable at 20%)
(VAT is currently applicable at 20%)
Dealing with the winding up of the affairs of someone who has died can take a long time. It is not unusual for it to take up to 12 months, longer if it is a large estate or if things are not straightforward. Winding up an estate involves dealing with many organisations, for example banks, building societies, insurance companies, share registrars and HM Revenue and Customs.
The estate cannot be dealt with until all claims to it have been received. Individuals have a period of six months from the date when probate is granted to make any claims against the estate.
Other factors that may affect the time taken to administer an estate include whether the financial affairs of the deceased person were in order, or whether they had an interest in a business, whether there are any legal disputes for example, claims against the estate or claims by the estate and any arguments between family members, beneficiaries or executors/personal representatives. All of these factors are issues which have to be resolved before the affairs of the deceased can be settled.
