Delay in Paying Out
Jane
Probate Answer: delay in paying out
There is no legal reason why the executor (or solicitor acting) not to make 1/3 distribution to the beneficiary who has provided ID now.
However, they have the freedom to administer the estate as they think fit. If they feel that administratively it is best to get all the IDs and then hand out all the residue in one go, that is not unreasonable, unless there is an unacceptable delay in getting such ID from all the beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries are entitled to any interest earned on the legacy up to the date it is distributed and, if has to be held by the executor for any length of time, the executor has a duty to invest the money where it will earn the most interest for the beneficiaries.
We would certainly have made at least an interim distribution unless there was some doubt as to outstanding liabilities or assets or beneficiaries.
Peter at the Probate Department
Thank you for such a quick response, I will pass this on to my husband it has been very helpful.
Regards
Jane