Welcome to the Digitalworldz UK General Chat Forums, Discussing Probate.

My mum died, only had an old will splitting 50/50 between my and my bro (dad already passed) so it was quite a straight forward process. Only hiccup was i wanted to be made the administrator of the estate instead of my 2 uncles who were originally named as join executers (i'm the older brother but only 17 when the will was originally made). They agreed no problems but in total it took 2 years to be finally sorted. Solicitors love to drag their feet and are never in a rush.

if there's no complications, no-one arguing over money, rights, etc it shouldn't be too bad, but don't expect it to be very quickly sorted, it still takes time.

Originally Posted by Him Her

Then the first job is simple.

Do a quick tot-up so you know how much and where from then write to each one enclosing an office-certified copy of the death certificate and requesting whatever you want to happen. For example, payment from insurance to Mum, close the account (or change the name) in Mum's benefit for the savings. Check with DWP whether they want official notification.

Extra death certificate copies are about £7 but will speed the process up as you can send multiple letters at the same time. Send the copies signed for and check any insurance would cover replacements.

You should not need to send originals.

In more than 99% of cases that will suffice.

If you have to apply for a Grant of Probate it's actually Mum who should do this although you can complete the forms and get her to sign them. You can also attend the 'swearing of the oath' with her for support. Although this sounds a bit formal it's actually done in an office environment so it's not too bad and doesn't take long.

If you do need to go this far you'll need to have completed forms PA1 and IHT205 (take copies for your records) and apply for the Grant at your nearest Probate Registry. Your case is likely to be an 'excepted estate' i.e. no offshore trusts, directorships, foreign property etc.

Here's a link with more information:

Probate Services - How to apply for a Grant

When I did it people were very helpful in guiding you through the process but they won't get involved in any technical issues where they believe professional advice may be needed.

Hopefully, you won't need to go this far.

Will I still need to get a solicitor?

No. Copies of the death certificate can be had from the Registrar where you got the original.

I applied for probate and completed PA1 & the tax form.
Just waiting for a hearing date now.
I expected to wait 6 months for everything to be resolved but it may be 3-4 months according to the advisor as it is less than £24k to make a claim on.

Thanks for all your help and advice.

I've got a hearing date now, I just have to turn up with 2 bits ID and swear an oath.

Total cost £107 leaving more money for my mum.

to everyone who replied on this thread .

Nice one, make sure she treats herself to something nice, with the money the solicitors would have charged.

Help

I've got the probate grant but it states a net payout of £23k, my dad's insurance is just over £24k.

Does anyone know if this will be a problem paying out anything more than £23k?

Thanks

Don't know weather the amount counts, but when my mother in law passed away I spoke to the bank and they froze the account, paid the funnel bill and then after I had showed them the death paper work the money was paid into her oldest sons account, which was fine by me but the twat didn't share with any of the family, I could beleave what money makes people do, not saying this will happen to you but be carefully.

You need to check with whoever advised the net payout M8 - is there a tax implication or some fees?

Get a written detail of why the payout is less than you expected.

I spoke to someone with a bit of experience in Probate and he said "It should not be problem as the estate max is £325k before any tax implications".

The person I spoke to also said "The net amount must be what I put down on the probate form".
I said no I put down £24k life insurance (+), £3k bank account (+), £3k funeral (-) and £1k flowers (-).
So he said "If you add up all the figures (£27k (+) and £4k (-) it will come to £23k net". i.e after funeral costs and any outstanding arrears.
"It should not be a problem, if it is then I need to send them (insurance company) a copy of the funeral and flower bill" - Which I still have.

On a side note I went to the bank today and got my dad's outstanding bank balance but got charged £10 for a banker's draft cheque fee because I didn't want to be paid out cash .

Hopefully a cheque will be the post from the insurance company in the next couple of days!!!

Thanks for all your help and advice.