Lootman wrote:The OP stated that "A relative has told me that in the protracted dealings with a deceased aunt's estate . . . ". What could that be, if not probate?
I think part of the confusion has arisen because of a misunderstanding of the term `probate'.
Lootman seems to be using it as a blanket term to describe the administration of the estate, so that by that definition probate is only completed when the estate's completely wound up. This is more typical of the way the term is used in the US (e.g. `the estate is still in probate') from whence I suspect Lootman originates.
However, in England the term is, at least amongst lawyers, used to describe the actual issuing of the grant of probate by the court - a one off event.
So the administration of a typical estate is divided into two distinct phases. The first is pre-probate, when information is being obtained to value the estate, calculate inheritance tax and so on, all of which is designed to obtain the grant of probate. The second phase is after the grant has been issued, which is essentially realising the assets, paying the legacies and debts and distributing the estate according to the Will.
Once you have the grant of probate you can start liquidating the assets in the estate, thereby releasing cash. As I said in my original response, because phase 2 can often take months or even years it's normal practice for solicitors to submit a bill shortly after the grant's been issued so that they can have first dibs on the cash that's released. They will then often use the balance to pay individual legacies or to make a payment on account to residuary beneficiaries.
In fact it's a good tactical point at which to submit a bill, as it will often be approved quickly so that the interim payments can be released!
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