The deadline to provide feedback for The Law Society’s response to MoJ proposals to increase probate fees is today (27th August).
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce has urged solicitors to help in its response to proposals introduced in July to increase the professional and non-professional fees to a flat rate of £273 as part of a plan to address an £85m deficit in the delivery of services in the family jurisdiction.
“We want to ensure that the changes won’t affect the viability of firms doing probate work or act as a barrier to vulnerable people who need to use this service.
“This survey is a way for us to hear your views on the proposals, as well as other improvements probate solicitors would like to see in the probate service in England.
“The probate service has had continued and significant delays during the pandemic, with some users facing delays of 12 to 14 weeks in 2020 when they were applying for probate grants of letters of administration.
“This is unacceptable, the service must be timely and allow executors to settle a loved one’s estate. The online service was specifically designed to streamline the process and the UK government must ensure the system is working efficiently.
“We would value input from probate practitioners who are using this service and views on how delays have affected their clients.”
Critics have already called for any proposed increases to be put on hold until service issues are resolved as June’s figures show grants took an average 7.6 weeks to be issued after a probate application had been submitted. This is slightly higher than in June 2020 when the figure was 7.5 weeks.
You can complete the Law Society’s survey here: https://lawsociety.questionpro.eu/a/TakeSurvey?tt=co5mc/x3ltiJLSouqUEbXA%3D%3D
