Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
556. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a probate application (details supplied); the number ahead of it in the queue; and when he expects this case to be concluded. [16007/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Probate Office is an office of the High Court and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998. Probate functions are also carried out by County Registrars at District Probate Registries in 14 provincial court offices.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has advised that the probate application referred to by the Deputy was lodged with Cork District Probate Office on 7 February 2018. The Courts Service has informed me that issues with the application were identified and it was returned to the Solicitors on 12 April 2018.
As the Deputy will appreciate all applications for Grants in deceased persons' estates are made on foot of a number of mandatory legal documents which must be furnished by the applicants. These require detailed checking by the Probate Office to ensure that the estate of the deceased person is administered correctly and in accordance with the law.
The Courts Service has further advised that when the application is re-lodged it will be processed in accordance with the procedures of the Office. Priority is given to probate applications where there is a particular urgency or in extenuating circumstances. In such cases, it is open to applicants to bring the matter to the attention of the Probate Office.
