Probate delays cause families ‘significant financial hardship’

Crippling delays in Ireland’s probate system have been raised in a new report by a major mutual life insurance and pensions company.

Royal London said an analysis of claims last year found the average time taken to complete probate — proving a will in Ireland — was 16 months. In England, it takes between three and four weeks to obtain a grant of probate.

“This delay can result in significant financial hardship for the family and estate of the deceased policyholder, as they wait for the proceeds of the life assurance policy,” said Joe Charles from Royal London.