Getting Your Legacy Quickly. Interim Distributions From Estates

• Published date: 07 August 2020
• Subject Matter: Family and Matrimonial, Wills/ Intestacy/ Estate Planning
• Law Firm: Anthony Gold
• Author: Mr David Wedgwood

Even in more certain times, many of us from time to time are in urgent need for a cash injection. This may be due to a drop in income or unexpected expenditure.

On the death of a relative, no matter how well-loved and respected, it is natural to enquire as to whether one is left a legacy and how much. That normally isn't a problem, although the process may seem tortuously long-winded. In some circumstances, it is necessary to apply some pressure on executors to release information. My colleague Ryan Taylor sets out in his blog how this might be achieved.

Once you have established that you are mentioned in a will, there are two types of legacies that you might be entitled to. A specific legacy gives an exact amount of money or a specified property, whereas the residual legacy gives you a share in the remainder of the estate after debts and specific legacies have been paid out.

The person in charge of gathering in the estate assets and then making distributions is normally the executor. In the case of an intestacy the same role is performed by an administrator. These personal representatives of the deceased have a considerable amount of discretion as to when to make payments. This is partly because personal representatives can be personally liable if they pay out too much money. Only in very exceptional circumstances will a personal representative make an interim distribution before a grant of probate has been obtained.

The process of obtaining a grant can in some circumstances be complicated and lengthy. Before a full grant is obtained it is necessary to value assets and prepare a tax return. There also normally has to be a payment of tax before the grant is issued. With the exception of some small estates, this can be a daunting process for the lay person who has been appointed as executor in the will. If the tax form is done incorrectly or if HMRC raises issues on the valuations the process can become even more lengthy. It is for this reason that many people writing wills appoint solicitors to become the executor, or if a person is appointing an executor, they appoint solicitors as their agents to do this work. Even when a grant is obtained there may then be limited liquid assets to distribute. If a property has to be sold, again there can...