Probate application, no IHT, how long?

rtho782

One of my relatives died a couple of months back, and I'm a beneficiary.

Probate was apparently applied for on the 27th Oct, but I have heard nothing back yet. The solicitors won't tell me how much the estate is worth until probate is granted, but I'm pretty sure no inheritance tax is due.

There are no houses to sell.

How much longer is the probate application likely to take?

FreeBear

Four to eight weeks is typical. It really depends on how busy the nearest Probate Registry is. The busy time for them is usually when winter really kicks in and temperatures drop.

Reading between the lines, it sounds like a solicitor is handling the application & subsequent probate - How long it takes them is like asking about the length of string. Some will drag it out and run up a hefty bill, others will be quick and efficient.

Yorkshireman99

Also remember that a solicitor will be unlikely to distribute the estate in less than six months in case any dependents make a claim.

rtho782

The executor is my aunt (others were named in the will, but did not want to do it) she's also a beneficiary so I'm hoping she does not want to wait 6m.

To be honest I just want to know how much it is, I don't see why the solicitors won't tell me as they must know to have filled in the probate forms. They say they will be able to tell me when probate is granted.

My understanding is that their fees are already fixed at £2k.

HHarry

The one I've just done whistled through in 3.5 weeks, but I think I was lucky.

Yorkshireman99

rtho782 wrote: »

The executor is my aunt (others were named in the will, but did not want to do it) she's also a beneficiary so I'm hoping she does not want to wait 6m.

To be honest I just want to know how much it is, I don't see why the solicitors won't tell me as they must know to have filled in the probate forms. They say they will be able to tell me when probate is granted.

My understanding is that their fees are already fixed at £2k.

The solicitors have a duty of confidentiality and cannot release information until later. Since your aunt is the client then she can ask them to tell you or tel you herself.

rtho782

Yorkshireman99 wrote: »

The solicitors have a duty of confidentiality and cannot release information until later. Since your aunt is the client then she can ask them to tell you or tel you herself.

Thanks.

They have already taken proofs of ID etc from me, given me a copy of the will itself, so they know who I am etc.

Our family is a bit of a mess, we haven't spoken to each other in years, so I guess I'll just have to wait!

[Deleted User]

Swore oath at solicitors the forms were sent off the same day and got probate back in less than 10 working days .

Keep_pedalling

If you have not been left a specific amount then you are not going to be given a figure until the executors solicitor has finalised the account, and probate is only one element of that as they will also want to make sure no unexpected creditors crawl out of the woodwork after distribution.

troubleinparadise

Keep_pedalling wrote: »

If you have not been left a specific amount then you are not going to be given a figure until the executors solicitor has finalised the account, and probate is only one element of that as they will also want to make sure no unexpected creditors crawl out of the woodwork after distribution.

So you might hear a ballpark figure for your share of the residue, or you might have to wait until they are satisfied the estate is settled for an exact figure, but don't expect to receive any monies for some months yet.

Yorkshireman99

rtho782 wrote: »

Thanks.

They have already taken proofs of ID etc from me, given me a copy of the will itself, so they know who I am etc.

Our family is a bit of a mess, we haven't spoken to each other in years, so I guess I'll just have to wait!

All these short time figures are for people have done probate themselves. When a solicitor is doing it expect a minimum of six months and probably more like nine or ten. The short timescales are where the executor has decided to take a chance that there will be no late claims. Solicitors will, quite correctly, not do that since they would be professionally negligent if they did so.