Beneficiary of Grandmother's Estate

anna2709

My grandmother passed away in December, and my mother in July last year. I know that legally I am entitled to mum's share of my grandmother's estate (I have no brothers or sisters), along with mum's brother and two sisters - however there are complications with the family (two are abroad and the other one isn't on speaking terms with me, but she is the one sorting out the estate). To complicate life further grandmother didn't leave a will. I know from family in Canada that my aunt has started procedures for the estate (in January) - what I'd like to know is will I be contacted by the courts re the inheritance or is it up to the aunt to dole out the money, and if this is the case how do I know when it has been settled? Thanks

Cook_County

Wills are - generally speaking - public documents.

I am not familiar with Canadian/Provincial law but I'd start by looking online for the probate department in the relevant province. They may have just what you need in a booklet available online.

localhero

Hi Anna2709,

First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your bereavements.

Generally, (in the UK at least - I'm not entirely sure how similar other Commonwealth countries' probate systems are), the Executors will receive the Grant of Probate and then collect in the assets of the estate and distribute accordingly.

How long it will take to sort out depends on how complicated the estate is and how efficiently the executor handles the matter. It could be sorted in a couple of months, but if there's property to sell etc, then it could drag on for 6-12 months or more.

The Executor should contact you though out of courtesy.