Deceased persons estate

littlelady

Is there a time limit an executor has to sort out a deceased persons estate by law.
Can they drag it out and only sort out probate when they wish?

seabright

If they are not fulfilling their obligations, you can ask for them to be removed. Get some legal advice, most will have a quick chat on the phone for free. Speak to a specialist probate lawyer.

Savvy_Sue

How long are we talking here?

I ask because I work for a charity, and we've just been sent a bequest from a late supporter's estate. This person died several years ago, I've been trying to work out how many, but I think at least 4!

Rach39

Executors have one year to administer an Estate before it's considered unresonable and they have to justify the delay. After having said that however is it possible that this Estate has just remained unadministered? ie that no-one has taken the responsibility to sort it out so it's not 'delay' so much as inactivity? If the person died intestate maybe nobody has come forward as next of kin? Sorry, need more info to advise properly. Also, delays of over a year can sometimes be justified - there may be long term investments which the Executors / Administrators have decided to keep as live since the Estate would benefit hugely rather than paying penalties for early withdrawals? Lots of scenarios could apply and there may be good reason for the delay. There may not be however and you need to find out who is dealing with this (if anyone) and write expressing concern.