Wills

[Kristal53]

Hi
My fathers cousin died 8 weeks ago, a widow with no children. My Father and Uncle, who were his only family, are both deceased, leaving myself and three other second cousins as his only living family. About 20 years ago he asked my father for all our (2nd cousins) full names and addresses and my father concluded that this was for his Will. He lived over 300 miles from us but kept in touch with my mother. When he died the solicitors contacted my mother to ask about funeral arrangements, but she is very elderly and cannot travel, so left it up to the solicitors to arrange. We have heard nothing since - I do not want to be indelicate, but do want to know if we as cousins have been left any of his quite substantial estate. My question is: What is the usual timeframe for settling soemones Estate if they have a Will, and at what point are the beneficiaries contacted - are they contacted after the Will has been 'read' or after the executor has paid off debts, liquidated assets and is in a position to admisister the inheritance.
thankyou

[bednobs]

if you know the solicitors (who i presume are the executors) you could ring them and ask - they don't have to tell you but they might. Once the will has gone to probate it becomes a public document and you can request a copy to look at . if you know the name and date of death you can institute a standing seasrch, which means if the will goes to probate in six months, they'll tell you. Timescales can be long when it comes to wills

[Kristal53]

thankyou bednobs. i will probably eventually contact the solicitors, though do not want to seem 'eager' if you know what I mean - I was just wondering how long after the death of a person are the beneficiaries normally contacted. thanks

[bednobs]

it depends on how long it talks the executors to get their finger out. There's nothing stopping them contacting you immediately, but there is also nothing stopping them delaying contacting you (i think)
If a user called barmaid answers, take her answer over mine though - she is a barrister

[Old Salt]

A polite note or phone call to the solicitor and/or the executor, a few days after the funeral, stating who you are and that 'based on conversations you had with the deceased over the years, you are hereby supplying your contact details.'

Nothing fancy, just a simple para or two. They should then place your name and contact details on file and if you are mentioned in the will, they will contact you.

OS

[boxtops]

English Law or Scottish Law? - that might make a difference in how we advise you.

[Peter Pedant]

Yeah I want to marry barmaid !
she is always right.

once the will is proven you can get a copy, butyou need to know where the fella died, which is the nearest probate office, the name and date of death.
I think it is £25. I have done it and they are very good


and what did I find ? yes the executor was stalling over giving me my mun mun. I thought a solictior executor had to get it done in a year.

having re read your question I think it would be all right to contact the solicitors. and yes they dont have to tell you anything

good luck

[factorfiction]

Yes Barmaid is excellent on these matters, but I don't think she's been on this thread, Peter-Pedant