How do I know probate has been done correctly?

WelshRabbit

I've found myself in a delicate situation. A friend of mine died earlier this year and surprised my by leaving half of his estate to me, the other half going to a distant family member i'd never met before since my friend had no immediate family.

I have seen paperwork that shows the house sold for £30K after repaying the remaining mortgage and he had £19K in shares.
I've been given a cheque for £20K. Now, I am absolutely grateful for any of this, but I feel like for peace of mind I would like to know if this sounds right? I was told the funeral services was 'just covered' by the deceaseds current account. I know the estate agent charged £2K but as far as i'm aware there were no debts or credit cards to pay off.

Am I entitled to ask for accounts showing where the money has come and gone? and if so, how do I ask for this without implying mistrust of the executor?

Thanks in advance

castle96

I would have thought the Executor would have GIVEN you a copy of the workings. I would certainly expect one and 'politely' ask for one.

Pincher

If a solicitor is appointed, 10% plus disbursement is only extortion in my mind: the lawyers think they deserve it.


You can contact the probate office.

FOREVER21

Do you know who carried out the disbursements for the deceased assets?

If a solicitor was involved then they should have given you a copy of the final accounts showing all the assets and any expenses , bills paid etc, together with details of how the residue of the estate was distribuated.

Even if no solicitor was involved the executor, should have sent the final account statement to anyone who benefited from the will.

If it was dealt with by a solicitor there is no problem asking for a copy of the accounts. If it was dealt with otherwise, do you know the executor and are you likely to have anything more to do with them? if not then simply ask them for a copy of the accounts.

WelshRabbit

I'm not sure if there is a solicitor involved

4372

At first glance, and from what you write, it seems you have been very fairly treated. Just my thoughts. No legal expertise at all.

Thrugelmir

Perhaps there's some final tidying up to do before the estate is finalised.

WelshRabbit

Thanks for all the replies, I do feel better about it now. It's such a lot of money to me, I think I find it hard to not be in control or understand the process

Pincher

There was an excellent BBC production a few years ago.

10% of my estate will likely to be £200k, so I am making damned sure no solicitor is charging by percentage.

claire07

If it helps I was the executor for a friend of mine a few years ago.


I was also a beneficiary and I did very detailed final accounts and sent a copy to each of the other beneficiaries when the payments were sent so they knew exactly how the figures had been arrived at.