Im wondering if anyone has had experience with probate. Mum didnt have a will and as her death was sudden we wasnt prepared in any way. Ive been on a sharp learning curve of what to do. Anyway i applied for probate in March only a few weeks after she died and got an email today to say its been granted. I really wasnt expecting it to be so quick. I had read that it can be over 6 months. Is this a normal time frame? Now i have to face emptying her house and selling it, and then what, there will be nothing left of her. Maybe im moving to quick with it all. I dont know what to do.
I think the hard thing is getting rid of her stuff. As she lived alone the whole house needs to be emptied. I hate the thought of throwing it away but also we wont make use of it as we already have our own household items. Obviously im keeping the personal items but it still feels like you are dismantling her life
Ive recently applied for probate and was advised by solicitor it would take approx 2-4 months from the date of application, so that fits in with your experience. Is there a need to sell the house immediately? If other beneficiaries are involved can you agree to delay for a while? Thats my plan if probate comes through quicker than expected 
I hear you, but I guess thats always going to be the case. Even when we depart, our kids will have their own stuff and keep what’s personal to them. I donated a lot of mum’s stuff to Age Concern. I figured it’s giving something back and helping someone else who might be having a tough time.
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I think thats what i will do. Donate to a good cause.
With regards to delaying the sale unfortunately its a shared ownership so they are already putting pressure on to sell, despite us still being charged rent.
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Hi,
I went through probate and it took approx 3 months. I kept mums house before selling it for a year and a half. Just couldnt face it and i wanted somewhere to go to feel close to mum. Took my time in sorting it. Luckily i was the sole executor and my brother and sister allowed me to deal with everything so it was straight forward
I kept most of mums furniture and replaced them with some of mine . Gave some things to charity and made weekly trips there as it was all too much to do in one go.
I gave her friends and neighbours small gifts form her house so they could remember her. My son had a lot of things as he is buying a flat so had nothing. It helped him so much.
Just do whatever feels right for you.
Love Deborah x
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Thats good that you were able to give to people who needed it. Thats what i want to do, not give away to someone who will see to make money or throw it away. Unfortunately i dont have much time to sort everything. Ive booked a week off work to try and get a lot done but i think it will be too much in one go
Hi Ally6,
I had a solicitor to do the probate and it took more than 2 years. I have sold my bungalow in March to pay the inheritance tax and the money has been in the solicitor account since March, and, I was told that it could still take until November mow. ???
The solicitor even advised me to sell my bungalow before the probate was through. ?? Well, I didn’t. What would have happened if there had been a problem with the probate and I didn’t inherent? I did not want to end up on the street.
How good Is my solicitor? What do you think? (Please do not answer.) - I wish my probate would have taken only 2-4 months, I would have saved a lot of money and time. I have to pay the government a lot of interest now.
Nick
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Ive known probate take 3-4yrs Nick, so whilst 2 months is very quick, yours seems to be slightly longer than normal. Once it gets in the probate system, it can take along while. Pain in the arse I know!
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Hi Paul,
thank you for your reply. I will calm down again and wait.
Thanks,
Nick
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Oh yes, that is quick. The solicitor applied for ours (there was no will) on 1 May and told us it’d take 4-6 months.
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