I'm currently an executor for an estate so I'm right in the thick of it. If it's a simple estate, probate can be granted in a matter of weeks, but if there is inheritance tax to pay it takes longer. We've managed to get probate in 4 months by working hard at a complicated estate with IHT.
Until probate is granted, it's all confidential, but even at this stage, there should be a business address where the executor should be picking up and dealing with outstanding debts. Debts are high up the priority list when the assets are paid out. These liabilities should be included in the probate accounts, although they won't be paid out until after probate is granted.
Once this happens, the estate is in the public domain. To get a copy of the will and the Grant of Probate (which gives an estimate of the value of the estate), just put "Find a Will" into a search engine and go to the government website. It costs £10, and you will need to know some details of the deceased - full name, address, date of death, place of death. You don't need all of those, but as much detail as possible. When you have found it, you pay and wait a few days, then you can download it. If you don't know whether probate has been granted, I suppose you just have to keep looking.
The Will and the Grant both show the name and address of the executor(s), so if there is an outstanding debt, you can then chase it up with them.
To go through chemo therapy or choose not to?
What do you think would go well with coasters like this?
Have any of you got all electric cars? Pros and cons please.