A recent survey of 1,000 people conducted by Asset Checker showed that for over 40 per cent of executors and nearly 30 per cent of beneficiaries it took up to six months to conclude the execution of the estate and for bequests to be distributed.

Nearly 50 per cent of executors felt that this was simply too long and added to the stress of the bereavement, saying that they felt that the process could be made quicker.

Asset Checker is an online searchable database providing access for solicitors and probate professionals to private shareholdings covering 8 out of 10 UK-listed company registers.