Delays in administration of wills are imminent in Mayo

‘CONSIDERABLE delays’ from now on in the administrations of wills and estates in Mayo have been flagged by the District Probate Registrar, Fintan Murphy.

This follows the retirement some weeks ago of the member of staff responsible for the registry.

Mr. Murphy has written to all legal firms within his jurisdiction to say that long delays in the processing of papers are now inevitable.

“As yet no replacement has been appointed (for the retired staff member), nor has it been indicated when one will be,” Mr. Murphy's letter states.

It adds: “As a result of this and ongoing workload relating to the courts themselves there is no option but to curtail the probate service until this resource issue has been resolved.”

Swinford-based legal practicioner Pat O'Connor has criticised the fact that, for the general public, a slowdown is looming in the proper and appropriate administration of estates when a person dies.

“This will have consequences for those who are relying on the income or assets of persons that have died – such as widows and children – in order to continue.”

Mr. O'Connor, who is newly appointed coroner for Mayo, is now demanding that ‘proper and complete resources are made available’ to enable the staff vacancy be filled.

“Quite frankly,” he declared, “people cannot be left in a state of financial uncertainty following the death of a loved one.”