The probate and inheritance process is failing consumers, with professionals calling for urgent reforms to improve efficiency, transparency and digital infrastructure.

Solicitors and financial advisers argue that delays and complexities in the system are leaving bereaved families struggling to access funds, adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult time.

For mortgage brokers, these reforms could be crucial in ensuring smoother transitions for clients navigating estate settlements while mitigating financial pressures caused by probate delays.

LACK OF KNOWLEDGE

Research by The Estate Registry, which surveyed 2,000 consumers and 200 financial advisers and probate solicitors, found that 65% of professionals believe their clients are unaware of how probate works, while 61% say the process takes too long. A quarter (25%) described it as difficult to understand, and 18% deemed it unfair.

A key issue is the lack of readily available funds to pay inheritance tax (IHT), often requiring individuals to dip into savings or seek alternative financing while waiting for probate to be granted – an average of 10 months, with complex cases taking well over a year.

While HMCTS reports improvements in probate waiting times for digital applications, professionals argue more needs to be done.

The industry is calling for dedicated bereavement teams within banks and service providers, better online platforms and a more streamlined application process.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of UK adults support a universal death notification service across financial institutions, similar to the Government’s ‘Tell Us Once’ scheme.

CRYING OUR FOR REFORM

Phil Hickson, SVP of Global Partnerships at The Estate Registry said that the probate process is crying out for reform and added: “The consumer experience is mirrored by the professionals who recognise the need for a fully digitised online application process,” he says.

 “We need to create a more unified, user-friendly platform that would connect all parties involved, including HMRC, banks and probate registries to streamline document submission, reduce paperwork and allow for easier tracking of application progress. Investment is also needed in IT across all elements of the supply chain to reduce downtime and technical issues.”