A cousin has died leaving a large house and grounds, but no will. As far as I know, I and another cousin me are the only living relatives. A solicitor has been appointed to handle the estate. Can I expect the solicitor to contact us, and when? The cousin has already started to clear the house: should these items be listed as part of the estate?
Somebody – presumably the other cousin – must have appointed the solicitor to handle probate. Where there is no will the solicitor will have to trace those entitled to inherit from the estate. I recommend you contact the solicitor to assist with this in case your cousin has neglected to mention your existence. An inventory should be made of the contents of the property and I suggest you make sure this is carried out immediately.