The probate process in the UK is facing growing criticism, with delays adding immense stress to grieving families. According to the Ministry of Justice, the average time to issue a grant of probate has stretched to 12 to 16 weeks—sometimes double the expected six to 10 weeks. End-to-end, the process can take a year or more, leaving many families in prolonged financial and emotional limbo. Ives & Co, leading solicitors serving Nottingham and Kent, can assist with wills and probate.
While it may not be fair to label the system as “broken,” it is undoubtedly in need of reform. A key area for improvement is the way creditors are notified of a death, a process that remains fragmented and inconsistent across industries.
The Role of ‘Tell Us Once’
The government’s ‘Tell Us Once’ service has proven to be a valuable tool, allowing families to notify multiple public sector bodies of a death in one go. Though not flawless, it simplifies an otherwise repetitive process. However, no equivalent exists in the private sector, where families must often contact banks, utilities, and service providers individually—an emotionally taxing and time-consuming task.
The Case for a Unified Digital Solution
Several digital platforms, such as NotifyNOW and Settld, have emerged to streamline notifications to private sector creditors. Yet, without a standardised approach, the experience for consumers remains inconsistent. Some organisations, particularly those with dedicated bereavement teams, excel in providing compassionate service. Others, however, fall short, exacerbating the distress of grieving families.
A mandatory, universal digital notification system across all consumer-facing industries would be a game-changer. It would simplify the process, reduce errors, and ensure a more uniform standard of care. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) could play a pivotal role in this by extending its Consumer Duty to explicitly include bereavement support, mandating “good outcomes” for vulnerable customers dealing with loss.
Lessons from the Past
The FCA has previously taken action against companies failing to manage bereavement processes adequately, including a £40m fine for one bank in 2018. While this highlights regulatory awareness, the next logical step is proactive leadership in championing best practices across the board.
A Call for Action
Efforts to introduce a mandatory bereavement standard gained cross-party support in Parliament in 2018 but have yet to be implemented. Now, with widespread public backing and available digital solutions, the time is ripe for decisive action.
Bringing together financial institutions, utility providers, and telecoms under a unified bereavement protocol would alleviate a significant burden on families. It’s time for the industry to embrace change, ensuring dignity and compassion in the most challenging of times.
