According to the latest quarterly statistics from HM Courts and Tribunals Service, which runs the probate service, probate applications took an average of 14 weeks between April and June. There is currently a backlog of around 8,000 probate applications.
The Treasury s coffers are given a boost as inheritance tax receipts rise, but Jeremy Hunt failed to budge on the tax in the Autumn Statement last month.
The law on so-called death bed gifts - gifts made in contemplation of death - is strict, says ex- judge Stephen Gold. He explains rules on codicils, leaving it all to cat and dog charities, and more.
Today, in the final part of his guide aimed at helping This is Money readers sort out a loved one s finances, Stephen Gold describes how to squeeze yet more compensation from banks slow to hand over cash.
Stephen Gold finds a way to prise cash out of Lloyds after it refuses to budge over a no-interest account, then gets a stern reception at the probate service when he tries to complain about a 16-week delay.