My parent died recently and myself and my siblings are named executors in the will. My siblings wanted to instruct a solicitor to deal with probate but the cost was ridiculous so I said I’d do it and I’ve done it all myself. It’s been a long and emotionally draining process but I’ve had no help and no support because according to them I’ve brought it on myself by not hiring a solicitor. Due to a number of existing family issues and power dynamics they are barely communicating with me.
To be clear, I’m the only one who’s contacted any of the banks, investment companies, pension providers, utility companies, medical institutions, government departments etc. All communication in relation to my parent’s estate has come addressed to me alone, I’ve completed and signed all documents and the money being released has been released to an account in my sole name (opened specifically to receive the estate money). I’ve kept records of everything and can show exactly what’s been received and what we’re still waiting for.
I’m now at the point where I’m almost ready to apply for probate and I’m not sure how to go about it. My siblings both live a long way from me and each other and one is currently out of the country so trying to get documents signed is almost impossible. I am expecting them to be difficult just for the sake of it.
Can I apply for probate myself and tick the ‘power reserved’ option for them? If I do this will they be informed, and if they are and then want to cause me issues by claiming they wanted to be involved what happens? If I explain to them that I can’t easily apply without them reserving power and they refuse what do I do? Does the fact they’ve not been involved at all show they’ve reserved power by default?
I want probate to go through as smoothly and as quickly as possible but I don’t want to risk getting myself into legal trouble. Thanks.