A Will query

[Jim Bob]

Any lawyers here?
A family problem with a will has cropped up. Basically an unmarried man with property and money in an account passed away and before it was settled his executor passed away as well. A new executor was appointed by the lawyer but the will is getting nowhere and the executor feels he is being messed about thr lawyer. Do we go to the law society to look into this or is there anywhere else we can go. Bit of money and property involved and it's being going on for number of years. Any advice welcome

[Pub Bore]

I'm no expert but I had this happen in my extended family.  If the executor dies before the grant of probate then one of the beneficiaries of the will can apply to the court to effectively become the executor.  This is why most people are advised to name two executors.  The new executor can progress the will without a solicitor.  He/she can deal with banks etc, most of whom have a bereavement service to advise.  My advice would be to tell the solicitor to sling his/her hook and execute the will yourself or get a new solicitor.  Unless it is an unusually complex will.

[Milltown Row2]

It's a minefield

Who's benefiting from not executing the will? Does the money sit in the solicitors accounts? Not sure that can happen.

Did a new will the other week, through the wife's union or school who can do it for free... nothings free I said, nearly £500 quid later I reminded her

In fairness we changed a lot of what our previous will was, I'm not a hundred percent sure I know the benefits of it were, but essentially we are covered in terms of distributing assets of the house, and any moneys through life insurance.

 main costs we're changing of the deeds of the house, been cooking my own meals ever since, more useful dead than alive   

[marty34]

I'd say there's still a good few people who don't have a will done.

Especially the older generation. It's a tricky subject.

[armaghniac]

I'd say there's still a good few people who don't have a will done.

Especially the older generation. It's a tricky subject.

I's say a lot of the younger generation haven't bothered either.