2020, as you know, has been a testing year for many of us. In particular, it’s been shattering for those who have lost loved ones in the most stressful and surreal of circumstances, and sadly, the challenges don’t end there.
Earlier this week (7th October 2020), it was revealed that probate applications are now taking three times longer than they were pre-coronavirus, leaving heirs and other dependants facing long delays before receiving any assets that have been left to them.
Even before the pandemic hit, probate registry offices were faced with a surge in probate applications before a planned rise in fees last year. Now, coronavirus has made clearing this backlog even harder, as many probate registry offices haven’t been working at full capacity due to staff absences and remote working measures.
This delay has the potential to cause significant financial stress for some dependents having to make payments, such as mortgage and energy bills, on behalf of the deceased, out of their own pockets. Should the dependant(s) decide to delay these payments until an estate has been administered, they could be faced with additional interest charges or late payment penalties.
How Langdowns DFK Probate & Estate Services can help
We were one of the first accountancy firms in Hampshire accredited to carry out probate work, following a major change in the law which historically only allowed solicitors or banks to carry out this work.
Langdowns Probate & Estate Services are completely independent and fully qualified to handle the probate and estate administration process, as well as offering guidance on estate planning, inheritance tax planning, trusts and executorships.
Why choose Langdowns DFK Probate & Estate Services
If the deceased was a client of our parent business, Langdowns DFK, we are likely to have the details of their finances, assets and business dealings. This can save you lots of time and money when it comes to preparing all the necessary paperwork for the Probate Registry and HM Revenue and Customs.
Our understanding of financial documents, particularly when it comes to calculating inheritance tax, income tax and capital taxes, means that we can carry out the procedure quickly and efficiently.
As tax specialists, not only can we steer you through the path of inheritance tax, income tax and capital taxes, our experience may also help you and the beneficiaries to minimise the amount of tax that needs to be paid from the estate.
You can be assured of a discreet and compassionate service. We fully appreciate how difficult this time is for you, your family and your loved ones, so we take as much of the administrative burden away from you as possible.
Let Langdowns DFK Probate & Estate Services take care of the probate process for you. Speak to a member of our team on 02380 613 000 or probate@langdownsdfk.com.