DIY Probate

SandraScarlett

Moretolife wrote: »

My letter from the probate office came through today. I had put that I wanted to have my interview in the London Office (even though its 50 miles away) but the letter came and I can still go to a solicitors office locally and that is all booked for tomorrow.


I feel like that this long process had just picked up some speed again. It seems to be hurdle after hurdle getting to this point.

That's great news. I think that after the Probate fees jumped from (I think) £45 to £215, last April, that they've made it easier for DIYers to complete the process locally.


I don't know the percentages, but I should imagine that a lot of widows and widowers, who are the sole executor/executrix, and had mirror wills, will find their spouses' estate falls below the limit, and it was just to reassure them that I started this thread.


When you compare the cost of going to a solicitor against the amount of time you spend doing your own Probate, I felt it really was Money Saving!


Good luck Moretolife, and let us know how it goes.


xx

[Deleted User]

I had my letter yesterday and am going to a local commissioner of oaths this morning. It will all be done by lunchtime and at last I can move on. The forms were very difficult but I am proud of myself. It helped me a great deal that my husband and I had been around the house 2 years ago, room by room, listing the main contents and keeping the list in a file with the contents insurance. The solicitor will only charge £7, that plus the £215. I think I have saved a lot of money and speeded the process

Thanks for the help on this site and the fine examples from people who successfully went the diy route

reading around the internet, it seems that I have saved myself at least £9000, wow wow wow. Next step for me in the coming weeks is to make my own affairs as straightforward as can be, for my children. I have already arranged to have my will re-written tidily, naming only me and an easy split between the 3 of them. I have arranged with the land registry to have the house put in my name only, that is now done and will keep a book in my file, which contains a list and telephone numbers for my savings accounts and bonds. Like Sandra says, losing a spouse after a long marriage is like having an amputation, so I too need to be busy and what better way at the moment than by quietly caring for the next generation

G6JNS

kittie wrote: »

I had my letter yesterday and am going to a local commissioner of oaths this morning. It will all be done by lunchtime and at last I can move on. The forms were very difficult but I am proud of myself. It helped me a great deal that my husband and I had been around the house 2 years ago, room by room, listing the main contents and keeping the list in a file with the contents insurance. The solicitor will only charge £7, that plus the £215. I think I have saved a lot of money and speeded the process

Thanks for the help on this site and the fine examples from people who successfully went the diy route

Well done! 11/10 for effort.

SeniorSam

You have done a really great job Kittie. It's not easy when your husband has dealt with all the paperwork in the past. I have tried to ensure that our paperwork is in order before I drop off my pearch, as during the last 52 years, I have dealt with everything in this respect. I am now trying to get my wife to understand more.

Just remember when you make your new Will, to keep the Executors as family members rather than professionals like solicitors or accoutants, as their fees can be very high.

Good luck

Sam

Rosie1980

Wow, well done Kittie, you've done so well and I wish you were my Mum, I hope your kids appreciate it!

[Deleted User]

woohoo, I am back and taken copies and posted the forms. It was very easy, I don`t know why I was fretting. Sailor Sam, I was the one who did all the paperwork and although I kept a log for my husband, he couldn`t really get to grips with all I did. Yes I feel very sorry for those wives whose husbands don`t let them have a look in. Statistics say that it is mostly the women who are left behind

Rosie my children have grown up so much these last 3 weeks. I still do the comforting bit when they get a wave of sorrow but they have been a tight and secure ring around me. I do feel appreciated and loved as do they by me

Yes the executors are the 3 of them and it is a simple 3 way split. They can give whatever to the grandchildren, out of their share.

Now I am having coffee and some chocolate before settling to nothing much ie knitting and a well earned film

SeniorSam

That made me smile. Not least being called Sailor Sam. The nickname is SeniorSam, as I'm mid 70's now,but used to be a specialist in IHT planning and gave lectures on the subject before retiring a few years back. I enjoy passing on my knowledge and it's really great when someone like the intrepid Kittie comes along and manages it all herself.

Sam

[Deleted User]

Sam I like it. You made me smile too

SandraScarlett

Well done Kittie, and aren't we fine examples of women who can get on with it! You fully deserve to be justifiably proud of yourself, and it's another huge tick against the Things To Be Done list.


Once I posted everything back, the Probate Office adhered to their 2 week turnaround, and sent the Grant of Probate, and I was then able to get the proceeds from a Life Insurance policy, and a savings bond in his name.


Incidentally the company that dealt with the latter made numerous errors, including writing to my late husband, 2 weeks after they had acknowledged receipt of his Death Certificate. :eek:


Frankly, I was appalled and as my letters and phone calls were falling on deaf ears, I emailed the CEO, and received the proceeds within a day, and I acknowledged this with an email.


However, I was unprepared for the letter I received this morning, apologising profusely, and telling me they'd paid £150 into my bank account "in recognition of the poor service we've given you". :j


Woo hoo!


xx

SandraScarlett

I read it as Sailor Sam too! In fact I visualised you as looking like the man on my ol' Grandpa's packet of Senior Service!


xx