Probate service is no more than historic tradition
I HAVE noted the article by Mark Ogier [24 February] which focuses on the time wasted in the ‘flip-flop’ approach to transferring the ‘service’ between the Ecclesiastical Court and the States of Guernsey.
The practice of Guernsey probate is no more than a historic tradition.
It has neither legal standing, nor requirement. Should there be a legal dispute following the distribution of funds neither the Ecclesiastical Church nor the asset holder will become involved. Since its introduction, some centuries ago, (I believe it dates back to the times of the Crusades) the service has been carried out by the Ecclesiastical Church. Salaries and expenses are paid from the fees.
As I said in my previous letter, in 2018 the running costs of the court, which included salaries, amounted to £334,770, representing more than half of the income collected in fees. The remaining income of £213,763 was paid to the Deanery Fund. It is unlikely that there will be any change to this procedure because it comes under the general heading ‘We’ve always done it like this’.
It is academic as to who carries out the procedure.
The point I am making is that as the fees charged are asset linked it is a tax on inheritance.
However, there is a way around paying this stealth tax. Put all of your accounts into joint names. Then sit back and relax whilst your spouse/partner/offspring turn up in brand new BMWs and the postman gets a hernia delivering parcels from Amazon.
SANDRA KING