Anyone here acted as an executor of a will?

ThisIsWeird

If so, how was the process? How much work was it? What was the level of 'fear' in ensuring it was done correctly?! What 'guide' did you use to ensure it was done correctly? Did anything go 'wrong' and need extra work to sort?!
Or did you say, sodit and engage a solicitor?!
Thanks.

ThisIsWeird

If you are named as an executor in a will, but decide it's too challenging and time-consuming a task for you, how would you go about choosing a legal co to act on your behalf?
Would you go 'local', or consider a specialist company like the Co-op? 
Thanks.

Keep_pedalling

Plenty of us, but you will get different answers depending on whether an IHT return was required or not and the complexity of the estate.

Most lay executors should be able to handle most estates, applying for probate is quite straight forward and although an IHT return is somewhat more difficult to do, it should not be too difficult unless it is complicated by things like non UK assets or trusts. 

You really should avoid the use of solicitors unless the estate is complex enough to need professional help or if it is likely to be contentious probate. 

Are you actually in the position of being an executor of an estate that needs winding up? If you are it might be best asking for advice for that specific estate rather than a general question such as this.

eastcorkram

@Keep_pedalling

Is there a reason why you say don't use a solicitor for this, other than the cost?

FlorayG

It really depends on the complexity of the will. I dealt with my dad's, he left everything to my mom so it was just a case of dealing with all the accounts in his name, credit cards etc. and making sure any money he still owed was paid out of his estate before handing over everything left to mom. It actually takes months but each legal letter comes in dribs and drabs but that gives you breathing space to deal with each one.
When my mom died I expected my sister to contest the will at least informally (with me, for example), and as we are estranged I handed it over to a solicitor to deal with as I didn't want to interact with my sister. That cost me £3,000 but worth it for peace of mind

kipperman

We were quoted an astronomical sum from lawyers for my late mum's estate - whilst large and in IHT territory it isn't complicated. This is in Scotland, so the system is different rather than online probate. Initially the terminology is quite baffling, but there are so many resources ( including this forum) that it all starts to make sense fairly quickly. Beyond financial considerations, our main reason for DIY was to cut out the middle man - we remain fully in control, and can chase/follow up without having to prod a solicitor. Getting hold of a solicitor is generally no easy task.

Flugelhorn

I think it varies in complexity from "simple estate where the exec is also a beneficiary and also had financial PoA before the death and hence knows exactly what is where etc etc " to "complex estate where the deceased had multiple financial interests / properties / businesses, chaotic record keeping and didn't let anyone else know what was going on"

I did the former and it was very straightforward. I had all the info and didn't have to agree with anyone else 

Keep_pedalling

eastcorkram said:

@Keep_pedalling

Is there a reason why you say don't use a solicitor for this, other than the cost?

Mainly because solicitors move slowly so it usually takes a lot longer than doing it yourself, but also because you will still have to do a lot of the legwork in pulling all the numbers together. 

ThisIsWeird

Thanks all.

To clarify, this is not for me, but a relative.

They were named as executor in a late friend's will. They've just found out that they are also the main beneficiary - their friend was pretty much estranged from her family for many years, and widowed for longer; it's fair to say that my relative was her best friend for quite a few years, and added a lot to her quality of life.

The executing (?) should be straightforward; afaIk there is a house and a few assets, all within the UK. However, there is also the possibility that her family may try and challenge the will? Complicated slightly by there seemingly being a subsequent will, but that was not signed by the deceased. No idea what's in that.

My thinking is that since she is the main beneficiary and therefore will likely inherit a couple of hundred £k, possibly more, she may be best to pass all this hassle on to a pro as (a) she'll be able to easily afford it, and (b) just in case it becomes more complicated with a family challenge.

In which case, how should she choose a solicitor? Go recommended local (she hasn't been impressed by the will-holding co so far), or go national-known-and-established?

Thanks.

 

Keep_pedalling

This sounds like one of those cases where getting a solicitor on board early on. A local solicitor with experience of dealing with contentious probate would be best if they can find one.

ThisIsWeird

Thanks - that seems sensible to me, too.

The local solicitor who made contact with my relative regarding the will, and who clearly wants the job, has asked if they want them to submit the additional will to their 'contentious will' group for a quote to investigate it.

This solicitor seemingly has a copy, possibly a draft, of this other will - should they be offering this to my relative too, as the current executor?