Is there a time limit after a death to sort out their assets etc??

[starmaker7]

My mum died 18 months ago , about 2 weeks before she died she mentioned a will ,unfortunately just after that she went downhill fast and we never got to find out if she had actually made one or not or where it would be.
Her assets include a house which is in joint names with my dad (so in theory is now his) however in 1984 when they split up my Dad gave the house to my mum in lieu or maintenance for her .At the time they applied for my dad to be removed from the deeds but for some reason it wasnt possible so he is still on them. I cant get a copy from the land registry for some reason and in the 1990's when the mortgage was written off (long story) no one knew where they were.
My mum was a bit of a hoarder so she will have all the paperwork regarding the house(i have yet to start sorting the house clearance although I did do some clothes last year) plus my dad has some bits,the house was bought in 1972 .
How do I find out if theres a will ,what do I do if there isnt one ,I really dont want to have to deal with this just yet but like I say its been 18 months so something needs to start getting sorted .I just dont know where to start :0(

1. Look for a bill for the preparation of a bill/correspondence with solicitors. Write to likely firms who might have done a will for her.
2. If there's no will, intestacy rules will apply.
3. Look for a court order made in divorce. If there's no paperwork around the house, contact the court where the divorce took place and ask for a copy of the order. Even if the order was never actually implemented it will have altered the beneficial interests.

Thankyou ,I think my dad has some divorce paperwork ,failing that I do know which solicitor dealt with it so I can contact them if need be