Selling parents house to pay for care

Wurly

Hi Folks

Don't really want to clog up forum with an old thread but some might be interested in how things are turning out.
Unfortunately Dad didn't last long in a nursing home, 6 six weeks in total, I guess different surroundings, people and his increasing dementia took its toll. He died peacefully in his sleep he was 97. I couldn't have wished for anything else for him tbh.
So the urgency to sell house has gone. We still plan to sell it, hopefully before the winter.
We've had several viewings but no offers as yet.

As it stands now...at least from my understanding. My late fathers solicitors are now 'the executors'. Our POA stops. We can try to sell the house but we cannot exchange contracts until the property is 'transferred' to my brother and I.

We have to apply for probate. My understanding is that isn't difficult to do, but there might be an issue over whether or not there is a claim on the house from Social Services.

When my mother went into a care home, social services part funded her care (for life) the remaining costs were funded from her state pension, an income support figure(?) and there was a shortfall which I am sure was paid by my father. But I do not have any proof of this. I can see an amount taken from his account and i'm sure I have seen a receipt somewhere. I figured the shortfall costs of my Mother was paid by my father, approx. £20K.
If I was to apply for probate, would I have to check with the relevant authorities that there isn't an outstanding claim? or would it be best to leave it to the solicitors?

xylophone

If the solicitors have been named as the executors then they should apply for probate?