Probate- length of time

[Lostatsea10]

My Grandma died August 22 in a care home. Property had already been sold several years before and she had (as far as I can guesstimate) fairly significant investments and cash. Not millions but hundreds of thousands (I think, this is based on knowing her and differing things that have been said).

Will came from the solicitor in November 22 and 50% of the estate is to be split between her 11 grandchildren. So far, so simple.

I can see online that probate was granted in January. We have heard absolutely nothing since.

I’m now in the position where I need this money as soon as humanely possible, my MIL has been told this week her pancreatic cancer has spread and inoperable. We’ve just about been affording DH going up and down to Cardiff (we’re in the S.East) whilst she’s been in hospital and intensive care for the last 8 weeks. We now need to take my 2 DS’ up urgently in the next few weeks and haven’t got the money to stay anywhere. we can’t stay with his family- no room.

It’s been 13 months since she died, 10 since the solicitor got in contact with us and 7.5 since probate was granted. Does anyone have any idea how much longer these things take typically? Thanks

I’ve just done probate for my Mum and am the sole executor. I now have to carry out her wishes (both of my DDs were beneficiaries). Because she had bits of money all over the place I think it will take a few more weeks to wind things up. But once the banks (my Mum had about six accounts, plus ISAs, bonds and shares) have done their stuff it should be quite straightforward. It certainly shouldn’t take months unless it was very complex.

Was the solicitor the executor? In my experience they have a nasty habit of dragging it out while the money sits in their high interest account.

Can't you ring them? Are you sure you are a beneficiary? Who is handling it from the family you could ask them. Had the inquest been done yet? That was the hold up with grans death, she died in care home in suspicious circumstances. Toom about 2 years till my dad got the money but there was a house to sell. Each case will be different you are best asking the person dealing with it.

Nat West paid within days of being sent the grant of probate. HSBC and Santander may take a bit longer as some of the money was tied up in long term investments and they have asked if I want to wait for these to mature.

There are 2 executors- one is my aunt and one my dad who I’m NC with. I’ve sent an excruciatingly awkward email to my aunt today asking if she knows how much longer it might be.

I’m absolutely certain I’m a beneficiary. The solicitor sent the letter in November 22 stating it, I’ve seen the will so know it’s the 11 grandchildren (of which I’m one).

I’ve spoken to other cousins who also haven’t heard anything or received any money, so no chance it’s gone to my dad to be passed to me. I filled my bank details in on the solicitor form as well.

No suspicious circumstances, she was 96 when she died, very poorly and completely expected.

Once probate has been granted, your Solicitor should be in a position to start distributing the money, but presume there maybe inheritance tax to pay which may take a while to sort out, but unfortunately like most things if you don’t chase, nothing is done quickly. As one of the beneficiaries you should ring solicitor and explain your situation, hopefully it will help.

If you know the solicitor was the executor and you're definitely a beneficiary, ring them first thing in the morning. No way it should have taken 7.5 months since probate granted to distribute a straightforward estate!

I don’t know if there’s a difference but as far as I’m aware, the solicitor has been appointed by the executors (my aunt and dad). I don’t think the solicitor is an executor. Like I say, I don’t know if there’s a difference.

Thanks so much for all your help and wisdom though, it’s certainly made me think (even more) that this is taking a very long time!

Contact the solicitor. All the hard work is done before Probate is granted, especially of the house has already been sold. Phone, and if they don't get back to you, email. Keep the pressure up, it is fine to keep asking. They might be able to advance you some of the money.
Explain your circumstances, and don't feel embarrassed - this should have been tied up by now unless it is a very complicated estate ( doesn't sound like it is.)

I don’t think it is that complicated as estates go. In that, it’s a substantial amount of money (to me) but not to people involved in these sorts of things. Like I say, certainly not millions. It will definitely need IHT paying and she did have differing investments/shares etc but again, not millions.

Definitely no property, that was sold several years ago when she went into the care home.

From what I can find online the Gazette article/notice was published November 22 with an end date of January 23, probate awarded January 23.

Thanks again all. I shall hope my aunt comes back to me in the next 48 hours and then I shall phone the solicitor.

My Dad died early in November a few years ago, probate was granted on the 7th February, we received an interim payment (about 75% I think) mid March and final payment early in August. There was a house to sell, but that went quite quickly, we had an offer before probate and completed soon after, the delay after that was due to the fact that there was a trust from my grandmother’s will which had to be wound up (my dad had been receiving the income and the principal was divided between me and my siblings.
i would have thought that without those complications you should have heard something by now.

This is what I get on the .gov probate checker so I’m confident it’s definitely been awarded. It’s just radio silence.

I shall see what (if) my aunt says anything and then ring the solicitor.

Thanks so much for all your help.

Agree with others you should have heard something by now.dh’s uncle died in August 2022 and even with IHT to sort and a property to sell the estate was distributed in June of this year.

Keep chasing the solicitors, don’t let them fob you off. Ifs it’s a simple estate they shouldn’t let it drag on