Wills and probate - how long to sort things out after death

demented_weasel

I agree.

I was trying to make a general point, to challenge the suggestion of "getting a few estate agents in" to value a property.

bazster

demented_weasel wrote: »

I agree.

I was trying to make a general point, to challenge the suggestion of "getting a few estate agents in" to value a property.

The vast majority of estates fall below the IHT threshold, so your "general" point is not general at all.

daska

Do your relative a favour, check that the Will doesn't name the solicitors as executors and offer to help with the paperwork. If he agrees then buy him a copy of the Which? book or borrow it from the library (make sure it's an up to date one) and go up there for an afternoon to work through the probate forms. They really are straightforward enough for most people to do themselves. You'll be doing both of you a favour as it will save him a lot of money and you a lot of worry If he's worried then reassure him that help with filling the forms in is only a phonecall away - the Probate office is normally very helpful and if you get one who isn't then ring off politely and call back to speak to someone else.

andygb

Just a quick update regarding some more information which I have been given (like getting blood out of a stone, despite the fact that I am helping them).
The property is worth around £80K.
There is definitely only one beneficiary.
One of the solicitors in the firm was made joint power of attorney/executor.
The solicitors were instructed three weeks ago to put the property on the market but have not yet done so.
Is it possible to change solicitors at this stage, or would it (as I foresee) cause even more complications?

Mojisola

You could get another solicitor to work on your behalf but that wouldn't stop the original solicitor being an executor.

andygb

Mojisola wrote: »

You could get another solicitor to work on your behalf but that wouldn't stop the original solicitor being an executor.

I get the impression that this is what may already have happened, and I am concerned that without thinking it through clearly, and instructing both sides (in writing), the people concerned are going to end up with two bills.
It is quite a difficult situation for me, because I will not benefit from this, but do not want to see the people ripped off, or compound their mistakes. I get the feeling that they want help, but do not want to tell me all the details, and without the details I cannot really advise them.

Sunita04

Hi there, the time taken to deal with an estate depends on the value and complexity of the case, however 6 months us usually not unreasonable. However, what is unreasonable is the price!! I would recommend using a regional firm who are just as experienced and qualified. Have you heard of Edward Hands & Lewis Solicitors? They have read some really good things about them, they have a wills & probate department but also in -house specialist tax advisory (which makes them stand out from the rest). They are only a Leicestershire firm, however they have won two awards and would charge less than half of that. good luck!!