I am likely to receive some money from the estate of a relative who died without making a will. Am I entitled to contact the solicitor dealing with the probate work for updates on progress and the likely financial outcome? The older relatives have barred me from contacting him. Do I have a right to do so?
No. One or more relatives more closely related to the deceased will have been granted letters of administration making them responsible for dealing with the estate, and it is to them that you should address your enquiries. If you’re constantly ‘phoning the solicitor for progress reports it’s just likely to put his fees up! Generally speaking administrators have a year to deal with the estate before being accountable to the beneficiaries.