Probate

[Kobi]

Hi, just a question. How does one know when a probate has been finalized? In other words, after the account of the estate has been agreed does this mean the probate is completed, or an official letter is sent notifying of completion?

[Peridot]

Hi Kobi,
If you are a residuary beneficiary then you would be informed estate finalised and legacy sent to you once bankruptcy checks have been completed (this is instant on-line check if needed). Good practice recommends that the residuary legatees are sent the estate accounts although this is not something that is enforceable if not done.

There may be a delay between the finalising of the accounts and payment of legacies if for example the executors were waiting for clearance from HMRC that all the necessary tax, inheritance and personal tax both pre and post death figures, have been settled. Unfortunately HMRC can take some time to confirm this so delay may be caused awaiting their confirmation before legacies/final distributions are made.

If you are not a beneficiary then you would not have a way to establish whether the estate has been finalised. All you could find out is whether a Grant had been issued and the net estate values. It would be necessary to contact the executors/administrators for confirmation but they are not under a duty to confirm to anyone other than the legatees.