What happens after probate is granted & sale of property?

[ABox96]

Sorry this is a bit of a long and complicated one I've tried to make it simple.

In 2022 my Grandma sadly passed away. She left me and my aunt in the will, my aunt as the executor.

July 2023 my aunt told me that bailiffs turned up at her door demanding payment for the funeral which she said she paid them, the sum was just under 5k. She said she wasn't aware bailiffs were coming as she sent all letters, unopened, to the solicitor.
I thought nothing of this at first but I relaid it to my parents who felt it sounded a bit odd so we did a little digging. The funeral was in Jan 2023, and the funeral directors confirmed to us they recieved payment in full on 13th April 2023. They also said its not their policy to send out bailiffs. (Its also a very short amount of time for bailiffs to be arranged I thought)
So my aunt appeared to have lied about this. I've tried asking her about it but since I have, she has completely overreacted, ignored the question and basically cut us all off.
Anyway. Jan 2024 probate was granted and the sale of the property is almost completed, I've been told it should be completed in March.

What I'm wondering is, what happens when the property has been sold? As far as I'm aware everything else has been sorted such as accounts closed, debts paid etc. So does this mean the funds will be distributed?
Also, once the funds are distributed, will I be able to get a paper trail of what my aunt has spent during her time as executor? I think she has used the bailiffs as a cover story and that she's used the 5k for her own personal use, but I don't know how to prove this? Would this go through the solicitor who has been dealing with this?

• just to add, I'm pretty sure the funeral was paid via the solicitor out of the estate funds.

• when my aunt told me the bailiff story, she also told me that my Grandma's bank transferred all the money into my aunts personal account in order for the account to be closed.

• I'm beneficiary to 46% of the estate as is my aunt.

Thanks for any info/advice!

Once the house is sold and money is in the Solicitor’s account, they should contact those in the Will to ask for bank details of where the money is to be paid into. Is the Solicitor dealing with the probate as well as house sale, if so, you can ask for a breakdown of costs/expenses. It’s a bit more complicated if there is any inheritance tax to pay, as this can take time and takes preference over paying out anybody else in the Will. There is nothing stopping your Aunt paying you your 46% of the money she holds now, unless she’s expecting other bills to pay. Solicitors take their fees from the house sale money. Your Aunt when asked as Executor should provide a detailed account of all the money, it’s a condition of being appointed an Executor, this should be done when everything is completed.

First of all, you can get a copy of the probate certificate from the probate office once it has been granted - it costs around £3. This is the correct link to use.
https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/
You can also get a copy of the will from the same link.
The previous pp is wrong about there the solicitor dealing with the house sale will pay the funds to. The funds will all go to the executor, who will be expected to distribute them according to the will.
As you are a main beneficiary of the will, the executor should provide you with a copy of the estate accounts union completion of the distribution of assets. This should show all accounts of money coming into and out of the deceased bank accounts, all expenditure since the death, and the distribution of the estate to the beneficiaries.
So, first off, get the will copy and probate. Then speak to your Aunt and ask her for a copy of the estate accounts, including proof of debts. Point out that you have been told that the funeral was paid for so you’re confused about the debt collection agency. Keep calm, be factual and see what she has to say. If she tries to fob you off, you could always contact a solicitor and ask them to write to your Aunt about this matter. If the estate is considerable, it could be money well spent.

Also, this leaflet explains the duties of an executor - maybe print it off and show your Aunt.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/information-guides/ageukil8_how_to_be_an_executor_inf.pdf

As a residual beneficiary you are entitled to request the full estate accounts.

I am also unclear who the executors are as why did the solicitor pay the funeral expenses.