Probate form posted - what now.

Thursdays_child_3

My friend whose father died in June and had left no will has had to apply for probate. She filled in the forms yesterday to the best of her ability and posted them off. She found the help line very helpfull.

She is now wondering what happens. She is aware that she will be interviewed but what will they ask?

She had no contact with her father and the mother died a few years back and there are no brothers or sisters so will it be "easy"

It was the deceased's SIL who had dealt with everything after he died as she thought she was next of kin till the BS put her straight, so the house which was rented and the contents had been dispossed of before my friend came involved.

Thank you

chesky369

If she has no siblings, or half-siblings, and the sister in law is presumably not a blood relation, then I would think it would be pretty straightforward. As there's no property involved, I assume it's bank accounts, savings accounts if there are any, premium bonds, insurance policies. Your friend should also check out that his pension has stopped being paid.

Who paid for the funeral? The costs for this should come from the estate, so there might be a need to provide for this.

I believe they make it very easy for you at the probate office - remember, they're used to dealing with people who are still mourning loved ones.

Thursdays_child_3

Yes, it is savings accounts, no insurance.

No other siblings or half siblings.

He paid for the funeral himself before he died.

His outgoings had all been stopped by the SIL but not the incomings, but they have been now. Money will be repaid back when estate is settled. Monthly work pension had been paid for 2 months when it should of been stopped.

Thank you for your reply.

Lady_Aitch

You will be sent an apointment for an interview at the probate office. Its a simple procedure where you will state your relationship to the deceased and confirm your identity. You will be given a card to read an oath from. They are very sympathetic and understanding in what can be a very emotional time.

monkeyspanner

Lady_Aitch wrote: »

You will be sent an apointment for an interview at the probate office. Its a simple procedure where you will state your relationship to the deceased and confirm your identity. You will be given a card to read an oath from. They are very sympathetic and understanding in what can be a very emotional time.

Yes second that - definitely the best government department I have come across. In and out in about 10 minutes and probate documents arrive promptly a few days after interview. Then you can go to thje bank etc. to get them to release money for distribution.