Who controls estate after death?
executor
Can there be two administrators of an estate?
In most situations, it’s not a good idea to name co-executors. When you’re making your will, a big decision is who you choose to be your executor—the person who will oversee the probate of your estate. Many people name their spouse or adult child. You can, however, name more than one person to serve as executor.
What is the role of an administrator of an estate?
In general, the responsibilities of an estate administrator are to collect all the decedent’s assets, pay creditors and distribute the remaining assets to heirs or other beneficiaries.
Is it against the law not to apply for probate?
If Probate is needed but you don’t apply for it, the beneficiaries won’t be able to receive their inheritance. Instead the deceased person’s assets will be frozen and held in a state of limbo. No one will have the legal authority to access, sell or transfer them.
How long does a straightforward probate take?
Typically, after death, the process will take between 6 months to a year, with 9 months being the average time for probate to complete. Probate timescales will depend on the complexity and size of the estate. If there is a Will in place and the estate is relatively straightforward it can be done within 6 months.
Can probate be speeded up?
The term probate can often be used to describe the entire process of administering an estate, which in general is not a quick process. On average, estate administration can take 9-12 months. There is probably no such thing as “fast probate” but you can help speed up probate.
How do you tell if probate has been granted?
A new probate record will appear online 2 weeks after the grant has been issued. If you believe probate has been applied for on an estate of someone who has passed away within the last 6 months you can apply for a ‘Standing Search’ at the probate registry. This means if the grant is issued you will receive a copy.
What happens if a will is not followed?
The court can remove an executor who is not following the law, who is not following the will, or who is not fulfilling his duties. The court can appoint a new personal representative to oversee the estate. For example, if the executor refuses to pay estate taxes, he could be held responsible for penalties and interest.