More than a third of people underestimate the time it might take to receive their inheritance, according to research from Co-op Legal Services.
In a survey of 2,000 UK adults, 37% said they expect to wait 4-6 months to receive their inheritance.
In reality, the process can often take longer than this estimate, depending on a range of circumstances.
For instance, among those who had carried out probate for someone, it took an average of almost 11 months to complete the administration of the estate.
Probate is the term often used to describe the legal processes involved in dealing with the property, money and possessions of a person who has died.
Quote from Nigel Holland:
“The last thing you want after losing someone close to you, is having to go through the stress of sorting out a will, some people don’t know what to do or where to start.
It is important that a probate is handled correctly, same with all legal work, and dealing with the estate of passed loved ones can be both stressful and challenging therefore having someone with the knowledge and skills to do so can take pressure off people.”