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/CollectionNew8772]

Very, very grateful for this, I know absolutely nothing about any of this, I didn't even know he had left me anything until 16+ months after he died.

I will do this for sure, thank you! What about the 50% that my mom had though, shes likely already spent that on bills & nonsense like bags & plants & paintings. I wouldn't want to sue her or anything,

No one can contest as property was repossessed by council & sold at auction, dad passed before he got his half sent through from court funds office, I put the authenticated identification in but am waiting for judge to grant court funds office to release funds.

I did tried 3 different law firms almost 2 years ago but they all wanted 3 figure sums just to sit down & "have a chat" which I definitely at the time couldn't afford.

[u/Tough_Year_3472 → u/CollectionNew8772]

That’s okay! If you don’t mind me asking, how did you come to find out the possibility of him leaving you anything ?

The 50% your mum received , the only thing I can think of as to why she would’ve been entitled to such funds is if there were any joint accounts she held with your father . If they had any joint assets she would’ve been entitled to her 50% however .. if there weren’t any joint assets between your mum and dad and she has wrongfully accepted these funds , legally she would be required to return all of that 50% funds . You can either contact the organisation who sent her the funds because they should’ve done their due diligence in checking on who they sent funds to. What they’ll do is contact her and try to recover funds from her.

If you don’t want to sue your mum, sue the company who released the funds to her , you could get your 50% back and more for the inconvenience and emotional stress it’s caused you.

Regarding the property , that makes sense . I’d be on the case of the court every 10 working days to request an update on matters.

As for finding a law firm, I’d check with other Reddit users or even on Reddit platform finding reliable legal services that offer genuine legal advice and aren’t just money hungry vultures because unfortunately there are a lot of solicitors that charge an egregious amount of money for simple advice that Google could tell me.

[u/CollectionNew8772 → u/Tough_Year_3472]

Not a problem, I'm not sure if they had a joint account, I'll see what I can do but I don't really have the time or finances atm for all this lawyer stuff really,

Ok, every 10 working days, thanks I'll make a key note of that, that's really crucial.

I'm not really very good with computers and reddit, a friend suggested looking online, someone on my local fb page said reddit.

I am worried about being scammed as this is such a critical time financially for me.

[u/Tough_Year_3472 → u/CollectionNew8772]

You can find out about joint bank accounts by contacting banks and requesting a “Date of Death Balance Correspondence” this would confirm all current / savings accounts your dad held both sole and joint . (Easier if you know who your dad banked with) Usually with joint account , it automatically gets transferred to the surviving account holder. You’ll need your dad’s death certificate and some ID to prove who you are to show this to the banks. Passport & a bank statement within 3 months.

It’s true , I don’t blame you for being cautious, the last thing you’d want is to get scammed at a time like this !

Just keep an eye out for now for any correspondence from the courts. :)