Executor duties query

[Sandra Hall]

I am one of the executors of my dad’s will. He lived in a flat with my stepmother and in his will she can stay there until she dies or decides to move out. We have been advised via a one hour consultation with a will solicitor that we should have the flat valued now and apply for probate even though stepmother is still alive. I forgot to ask the solicitor something. Someone told me that as dad’s executors we are entitled to inspect the flat to clarify it’s upkeep. Is this correct?

[dslippy]

Yes. You are.

[Sandra Hall]

Thank you.

[Sandra Hall]

Sorry but I have another question if you could? Whilst we have been advised by a solicitor during a one off one hour consultation to apply for probate on the property now (the administration of the cash has been finalised) I am confused. The rationale from the will solicitor is the length of time it takes to get the grant and it would hopefully be in place if she died or moved in with her daughter when the property would be sold and the money put into a trust until her death. Stepmother is living in the property as per the will but does not have good health. That said I am not sure how long Grant of Probate lasts for. There will be no inheritance tax to pay. The property is worth approx 145k at the moment. Does it last indefinitely? I can't seem to find it anywhere. Always the same isn't it. You have a meeting and think you have masses of info but it breeds more questions.

[dslippy]

A grant of probate lasts for ever.

[Sandra Hall]

Thank you