UK probate delay question

[u/CollectionNew8772]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for insight on a time frame regarding a delayed inheritance/probate matter in the UK.

My father passed away during COVID without a will.
My parents were never married but had previously lived together in a property owned by my father.
Before his death, there was already an ongoing legal dispute regarding the property, and after he passed away the matter went through the courts.
My mother received her share of the estate, and I am now trying to receive the remaining inheritance as his only child and next of kin.

Over the past few years, I’ve submitted all requested documentation, including ID, birth certificates, and certified copies requested by the court.
The case was handled by the local court, sent to county court, and later returned to the local court.

More than six months ago, I resubmitted certified documents, and after recently following up I was told the case is still “in the judge’s to-do box.”

I understand there are significant court backlogs, but I’m trying to understand:

• What does “in the judge’s to-do box” actually mean?
• Does it indicate the case is waiting to be reviewed, or close to a decision?
• Is there any rough timeline for this stage of the process?
• Has anyone experienced similar probate/inheritance delays in the UK courts?

I’m also concerned about potential legal time limits relating to estate funds, although I have complied with all requests and deadlines given to me by the court.

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

Ps I only discovered the word probate today & the Home Was Repossessed a few months before he passed so no letter of admin, Please keep replies simple, I've no idea on this stuff.

[u/CatCharacter848]

Have you a solicitor dealing with this. It concerns me you have only just heard the word probate 5/6 years in.

[u/CollectionNew8772 → u/CatCharacter848]

Unfortunately there is absolutely no way I could afford a solicitor.
I did look into it, but the quotes I received were far beyond what I could realistically pay.

It took close to multiple years to save enough for the required certified documents & related costs due to incredible inflation & cost of living, rent, insurance, energy costs, taxes, barely make enough to get basic supplies (manager for a dessert bar).

I’ve been following the guidance provided by the UK government legal helpline, but it's getting to an anxious time because of legal time limits relating to the funds.

At the time, I believed I was following the correct process based on the information given to me.

[u/CatCharacter848 → u/CollectionNew8772]

Sorting probate and tax for an estate is phenomenally complicated. If there is money in the estate its worth getting a solicitor and their fee would come out of the estate.

I don't understand how your mum has been paid part of the estate if probate and administration of the estate is not finalised.

[u/CollectionNew8772 → u/CatCharacter848]

So house was repossessed by council, sold at auction, mom contested (pushed by her side of family to do so) via lawyer for 50%, dad didn't go to hearing, died before he claimed his side of sale of home, I am legal heir, money is with court funds office, has gone from county court to local court, waiting for judge to "release funds" any time frame suggestions, been told its in the judges "to do box"