I read somewhere that money bequeathed in a will must not be given out by the executor for six months. Is this correct?
In practical terms it could well take at least six months before an estate can be wound up, depending on how complicated it is and whether a grant of probate is necessary. If someone feels that no provision, or inadequate provision, has been made for them under the deceased’s will, they have a period of six months from the date of the grant of representation to put forward such a claim. It’s very often for this reason that executors are reluctant to distribute any part of an estate until the six-month time limit has expired. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, executors are expected to pay out general legacies within 12 months.