Inheritances From Solicitor

[Jayne-123]

My late mum's house sale completed a month ago. The house was split three ways between myself and my siblings. Mum's will was simple with few other bequests, and few bills to pay (she died at home). Does anyone with knowledge of this know how long it takes for them to give us our inheritance. My brother is executor but doesn't like to chase them as it costs more money to do this. Thank you!

[fiction-factory]

It takes longer than if you done it yourself. In my experience solicitors are good at dragging these things out as writing letters and emails, including in response to people chasing them up, is a real money spinner. I think it may well take over 3 months, possibly over 6 months as they need to give creditors time to come to light/make themselves known.

[woofgang]

Not to upset you but if anyone is reading you, the lesson is clear DO NOT name a solicitor as executor in your will and DO NOT employ a solicitor to execute the will.

[fiction-factory]

It also depends on whether probate has been granted yet

[bednobs]

if the house has sold there must be probate surely?

[fiction-factory]

Can I just check- what role is the solicitor playing- are they joint executors with your brother or is the solicitor just dealing with the house sale?

[Jayne-123]

The solicitor is dealing with the house sale and mum's will, my brother is executor. Mum died over a year ago and it took a year to sell the house, thank you.

[fiction-factory]

Okay. The bit I don't understand is what is the solicitor's role regarding the will? Why is the solicitor involved in the will?

[Jayne-123]

The solicitor is responsible for distributing the estate, are you UK based as confused as to your question?

[fiction-factory]

Yes. I am UK based and am confused because when I have been the executor i have distributed the estate myself. Is the solicitor a joint executor then along with your brother?

[237SJ]

Jayne-123. I was in the same situation as you very recently. I have just looked at my records re my late Mum`s house sale and I see that my solicitor organised a BACS transfer of the monies on the very same day of exchange of contracts (exchange and completion took place at the same time). My solicitor was very switched on and on the ball though (unlike the probate solicitor who was a nighmare and really dragged her heels). If it was me, I would give it another week and then email the solicitor asking if they have paid any bills and if there is any more information they need such as beneficiaries accounts. That might job their memory and make them get on with it.

[237SJ]

*jog*

[bednobs]

if the solicitor is responsible fr distributing the estate it must either be because they are executor or joint executor

[fiction-factory]

The brother is executor according to the OP so I can only assume the solicitor is a joint executor. If so do they need to act jointly or can the brother push things through if the solictor is dragging his feet. Would the solicitor pull out if asked to do so by brother?