Minor beneficiary protocol

Naples01

Hi - Long time member posting under new user name.

I have recently become aware (through family) that I am a minor beneficiary in my Aunts will ( she died about a year ago). I did download a copy of my Aunts will and found that to be the case. Two of her sons were named as executors but I understand that they have passed this on to a solicitor to handle as I believe the estate although relatively small in value was complex due to shares etc. The will states that there are three residual payments to beneficiaries, then the remainder is split equally between her three sons - all pretty straightforward.

Probate has been granted (a while ago now), but I understand that it has taken a while to sell shares/close accounts etc and all the usual things involved with winding up an estate.

My question - when the executor/solicitor is ready to distribute the estate, would the minor beneficiaries be written to and advised, or is a cheque just sent. I was wondering this, as I noticed on the will that my own and another beneficiaries address is incorrect ( we have both moved since the will was written). The main beneficiaries do know my address as we exchange Xmas/birthday cards.

I'm not that close to the three main beneficiaries and even if I was, I think its a bit tactless to ask them whats happening with Aunts will. I don't want to seem mercenary (although I'm sure it sounds it), but I just wanted tho check what the usual process is. I guess I could call the solicitors, but again, didn't know if this was 'the done thing'.

Yorkshireman99

Naples01 wrote: »

Hi - Long time member posting under new user name.

I have recently become aware (through family) that I am a minor beneficiary in my Aunts will ( she died about a year ago). I did download a copy of my Aunts will and found that to be the case. Two of her sons were named as executors but I understand that they have passed this on to a solicitor to handle as I believe the estate although relatively small in value was complex due to shares etc. The will states that there are three residual payments to beneficiaries, then the remainder is split equally between her three sons - all pretty straightforward.

Probate has been granted (a while ago now), but I understand that it has taken a while to sell shares/close accounts etc and all the usual things involved with winding up an estate.

My question - when the executor/solicitor is ready to distribute the estate, would the minor beneficiaries be written to and advised, or is a cheque just sent. I was wondering this, as I noticed on the will that my own and another beneficiaries address is incorrect ( we have both moved since the will was written). The main beneficiaries do know my address as we exchange Xmas/birthday cards.

I'm not that close to the three main beneficiaries and even if I was, I think its a bit tactless to ask them whats happening with Aunts will. I don't want to seem mercenary (although I'm sure it sounds it), but I just wanted tho check what the usual process is. I guess I could call the solicitors, but again, didn't know if this was 'the done thing'.

Just write to the solicitor and advise new address. It will save them time and having to stop a cheque.

Naples01

Thank you - sounds the most sensible thing, although I wasn't sure if it was appropriate given I haven't officially been told I am a beneficiary (although on the other hand as probate has been granted, the will is common knowledge anyway).

Guess I'm seeing problems where there probably aren't any!