UK’S DREAD OF PROBATE LAID BARE: THE “RED TAPE” OF DEATH
- New survey reveals the stress of sorting out legal and financial affairs of the departed
- Probate forms more dreaded than mortgage applications and tax returns
A new survey into the UK probate process has revealed some shocking statistics about our attitude towards, and knowledge of, what happens after a death in the family.
Respondents in the OnePoll “Red Tape of Death” survey, commissioned by probate service comparison website probatesupermarket.com, were unclear that probate is the administration of a deceased person’s estate – three out of ten adults (28%) say they do not know the meaning and over three per cent think that it is a “type of cancer”. Most surprisingly, of those that have experienced the death of a close relative in the past twelve months, almost a fifth (17%) still did not understand the meaning of probate, showing that Brits are lost when dealing with death.
When asked what they dread most if a relative dies, two fifths (40%) of respondents said that they dread the initial stage of informing family members the most, followed by the sorting out of the deceased’s legal affairs which rated second in terms of fear factor.
Taking on the probate process alone is shown to be a daunting task; almost a fifth of adults (17%) dread filling out probate and inheritance tax forms. This is almost as high as job application forms, and more than income tax return and mortgage application forms.
The survey further shows that when it comes to taking on personal responsibilities you might dread, probate is the second most difficult task (72%), beaten only by having to put your relative in a care home (82%), and ahead of becoming a carer to a family member (67%).
With nearly 70 per cent of adults unable to correctly put the current individual Inheritance Tax exemption level at £325,000 – over one in three (35%) putting it much lower at £125,000, and nearly a quarter (24%) at just £25,000 – the survey highlights how people can benefit from guidance through this complicated process at what is one of the most emotionally difficult times in life.
“We understand the stress and dread that most people have concerning probate and executor duties, coming, as they do, right on top of the grieving process, and it is clear that most people want easy access to straightforward and helpful advice on the best route to manage a deceased relative’s estate”, said probatesupermarket.com managing director Peter Spillman.
Only just over one in five (21%) were willing to take the “do it yourself” route for probate duties, with a quarter (25%) going straight to a solicitor, and 19% asking another family member to assist.
Spillman continues: “The decision to undertake the probate process yourself should not be taken lightly. The survey shows that people are confused about even the first steps and, while dealing with the stress and emotions that inevitably come with a family death, clear to follow, sound advice from a professional on the legal intricacies can be invaluable.
“probatesupermarket.com seeks to provide the best possible match in service for customers along with bereavement advice to ensure that in this most difficult time, customers receive tailored guidance and support through the probate and aftercare stages.”
Note
The “Red Tape of Death” survey was commissioned by probatesupermarket.com through OnePoll Ltd, and carried out in November 2010, with 2000 adult respondents.
About probatesupermarket.com
probatesupermarket.com is a service comparison website for probate specialist services. Through a network including nationwide suppliers as well as local probate firms throughout Great Britain, probatesupermarket.com brings a unique offering to the market including practical and logistical guidance to those who wish to do their own probate; a comprehensive fully-inclusive fixed price service, along with an aftercare service for the family of the deceased and other beneficiaries.