Can we ask the executor for a set of house keys?

Cuilean

My cousin passed away in hospital last week, and named my sister and I as the only beneficiaries of her will.  I've yet to see the will, but will be meeting my cousin's solicitor (Who is her executor) later this week.  The solicitor is keen to get my cousin's house cleared and on the market.

As my sister and I live a few hours away from the house, I'd like to know if beneficiaries have the right to ask the solicitor/executor for a set of keys to the house, so that we can visit on a weekend, and take our time.  The solicitor mentioned that there were a lot of family photo albums in the house, and as my cousin was a musician, there are tapes and videos of her concerts which we'd like to find and save.  I really don't want a solicitor-supervised, one hour visit, where I'm very aware the clock is ticking.

Tl;dr: Do we have the right to ask an executor for keys?

Linton

You have the right to ask anyone for anything.  The solicitor as the executor and so responsible for the safety of house and its contents has the right to say no or to state conditions.  So you just need to have a friendly chat with them.  

tls123

Re your comment with the solicitor keen to get the house cleared and on the market if your cousin has only just passed I would make sure you understand the solicitors timeline, they can’t sell the house without probate which can take a number of weeks depending on the complexity of the estate so you have some time to empty the property. 

RAS

I'd ask the solicitor when they anticipate filing for probate? Once that is done, assume 10-20 weeks for the grant, particularly as it'll almost certainly run over the festive season. And ask if they anticipate it being a simple estate to administer.

And check it they are going to be using a house clearing company?

subjecttocontract

Surely if you & your sister are the only beneficiaries of the will then everything has been left to the two of you. Shouldn't the solicitor be asking wether you want the house sold and the contents cleared ? Isn't it your decision and not the solicitors ?

bobster2

subjecttocontract said:

Surely if you & your sister are the only beneficiaries of the will then everything has been left to the two of you. Shouldn't the solicitor be asking wether you want the house sold and the contents cleared ? Isn't it your decision and not the solicitors ?

Not by default. Executor needs to follow the will.