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Probate
how long to probate a will if done by a solicitor
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Yes, it can depend on several factors- e.g. it can take longer for example if multiple properties or share portfolios are involved, if the deceased kept poor records or if the will is contested. Some can be done in a couple of months but typically they have been around 6 months for me- but I have heard of cases going on for 2 years
Using a solicitor to seek probate is usually entirely pointless because it's easy to do it yourself.
If you did it yourself, and the estate wasn't complicated, the whole process can be completed in under a month. (I know because I've done it!).
However many solicitors are notoriously slow at dealing with their paperwork, so I'd be surprised if many would complete the task in under three months, with some taking closer to a year. (Really complex estates can take several years to sort out but only a very tiny percentage of estates fall into that category).
If you did it yourself, and the estate wasn't complicated, the whole process can be completed in under a month. (I know because I've done it!).
However many solicitors are notoriously slow at dealing with their paperwork, so I'd be surprised if many would complete the task in under three months, with some taking closer to a year. (Really complex estates can take several years to sort out but only a very tiny percentage of estates fall into that category).
I have nothing to add to Buenchico's answer. The process is, for most of us, straightforward. The forms can be downloaded. Most of us have personal items and furniture which quite frankly, second hand, are virtually worthless. Valuable items need more care. Most domestic houses are easily valued by reference to estate agent sites displaying similar properties in the same area. The land registry will also divulge how much properties sold for in the same area over recent years. One caution - it occurs to me that although the IR seem to accept any reasonable valuation, once probate has been granted the sale of the property may attract a higher price and may attract capital gains tax.
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