probate

[kitchenmares]

Eight or nine months ago a relative passed away and I was in the will. It has been at probate all this time, as the relative never had any debts etc. always looked after her money , does anybody have the same ideas as me, that is; the longer probate takes, the more money is involved??

[dzug]

Possibly - but not necessarily. Could either be complicated, with lots of small bits to sort out, or just a dozy solicitor (is there any other sort?)

[kitchenmares]

Thanks dzug and yes there isnt any other sort!

[Sherwoodlond]

I used to work for a firm of solicitors. the probate work was always the last to get done. From what you say the administration of the estate should not be complicated.
Obviously, the money cannot be distributed until it is all collected in. A house to sell would slow things down. Otherwise there should not be anything. The bill should not really be greater because things have been done over a longer period of time. I suggest you contact the solictor and ask if there is any complication you are not aware of. E.g. has anyone challenged the will? And ask when you can expect a distribution.

[stuart100]

I work for a bank in the Probate admin office, and we act on instructions about two days after we get them.

It all depends on how long the Solicitors (or Executors) take, doesn't depend on how much money is involved.

Also if there are disputes amongst the relatives, or financial discrepancies then this can delay things.

[kitchenmares]

A big thanks to Sherwoodlond and stuart100. 6 months have gone by now and I shall enquire when distribution might be.

[Barmaid]

Has the Grant of Probate actually been issued yet (this is the official Court document confiming the executors' authority to deal with the estate)? (You can find this out by doing a standing search with the probate registry). If probate has not yet been granted, I would be inclined to ask the solicitors why not! Unless there is a problem, the Grant should really have been issued ages ago.

In any event if you are left a specific sum of money eg �100 which is known as a pecuniary legacy, you are entitled to interest from one year after the date of death which is known as statutory interest.