Estate not being settled, what rights do we have?

konark

macman wrote: »

If the distribution has (allegedly) already taken place, then probate has been obtained. If so, the value of the estate is a matter of public record. Just apply to the Probate Registry for a copy. That will tell you what amounts are involved.

Probate won't have been needed for that size of estate. Husband has already got a photocopy of the will. Middle brother is in best position to do anything as he is an executor.

macman

That's not correct. We know that there is at least £11K in the estate, the rest is undetermined. What about the house-did she own it? What about the cash in the house, and the PO account: that could well take it above £15K?
The 'typical' limit not to require probate is about £15K, but each institution sets it's own levels. So if the bank says it requires probate to release funds above and beyond the funeral expenses, then probate is required.
My point is that a copy of the will is only part of the equation: you cannot begin to distribute an estate until you can determine exactly what assets are in it.