David Lock

I am an executor for the will of a distant relative who has just died. I have sent a copy of the will to my solicitor and told him who has original. Solicitor says he will have to get Probate (not huge sums involved btw and quite straightforward requests in will).

What is Probate exactly and how long does it typically take for everything to be settled? Can't ask my solicitor directly as he has done a Geoff Hoon and gone on holiday Thanks, David





[Edited by David Lock - 2/24/2003 9:27:03 AM]

seejay555

David,
Probate is "proving" the validity of the will. It's done by a Govt registry. I don't know how long it takes these days. You/the solicitor need it as most banks etc. who hold assets of the deceased will want to see the probate so that they can satisfy themselves that the person asking for the money is entitled to it.
Asking how long it takes to sort an estate out is a bit like asking how long a piece of string is!! However, if the estate is simple (i.e. not many assets) then expect 4/6 months is my best guess.

Tiggs

4-6 months (do it yourself if you have a bit of time and a bit of brain)

T

David Lock

Thanks guys. David

chiark

It gets to be great fun if the will is challenged, too...

RON

David, my dad died on 5th oct 00, me and mum did the probate, nightmare of form filling in, but there were three properties involved, and assets of about 300k (just him), wee did everthing, and got it sorted in less the 3 months, it was all done by that Christmas.
Ron.

MattW

My Dad died last August....no will....and is thieving scum girlfriend is trying to take the house [img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img]

deep breath......relax...


Ok now

David Lock

Fingers crossed this will be an unchallenged straightforward job as no property involved - just a few bob in a savings account. However your comments reminded me that when my step-father died many years ago he had altered his will with pencilled-in comments on the envelope with his pencilled initials next to the alterations. That set the cat among the proverbials and I think everyone named in the will had to agree and sign a statement that they approved of the alterations. It took time but the family survived and stayed friends

S1MON

Its a big thing these days a Will is very important I myself am a will writer. Have a look on www.thesocietyofwillwriters.co.uk and it will answer most questions for you.

Tiggs

simon- YHM