Time to start hassling solicitor re Grant of Probate?

Norma_Desmond

My mother passed away in December last year and I couldn't face applying for probate or handling the estate administration myself so handed everything over to her solicitor.

Simple will with me being sole executor and beneficiary and her estate valued at £225K which includes her property and current & savings accounts.

No debts whatsoever, tax stuff sorted and I signed the Oath and returned it to solicitors a couple of months ago.

No contact from solicitors since and my single query by email 3 weeks ago went unanswered.

Time to hassle? I just want an end to this now, not in a great place. 😥

Baldytyke88

A relative passed away a year ago today and the estate is not settled yet, so it can take a long time, but you should be getting correspondence.

Norma_Desmond

Thank you.

I may try another email later this week.

sheslookinhot

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82091500#Comment_82091500

Can you phone the solicitor or maybe even visit the office ? It’s too easy for them to ignore emails.

boingy

Definitely phone them rather than email them.

Be sure to mention that you will keep phoning them until you get some progress.

RAS

Bear in mind that every contact from you incurs costs, even reading it, then work, then responding. Most work in 5 minute tranches for billing. How much did they advise their fee is per time period?

It is likely that solicitors will be advertising and then waiting for 6 months for Claims under the Inheritance Act, so patience may be required.

Norma_Desmond

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82092056#Comment_82092056

Thank you - I'll check their fees, but will probably hang fire for a while now as it looks like a given that the solicitor will wait as they would be liable for any mistakes or claims (which I know there isn't.)

I think I'm just being impatient.

RAS

There are a few instances when using solicitors is advisable. Otherwise it generally delays settlement considerably.

Norma_Desmond

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82092138#Comment_82092138

Yes, such a shame I didn't feel I could handle it.

Mum's death was unexpected and we were so close - I'm an only child and I just emotionally collapsed.

Appreciate the comments.

Yorkie1

 Most work in 5 minute tranches for billing. How much did they advise their fee is per time period?

Usually it's 6 minute tranches (works better for the percentage of an hour) 😉

RAS

Thanks for the correction, will store.